Anonymous young biker issues drink-drive warning

A fine, a year’s ban, endorsements, and insurance quotes that go through the roof. That’s the penalty one young person brought upon himself for riding his 50cc bike just a very short journey after drinking a few beers.

The good news is that, with the support of the West Berkshire Youth Offending Team, he’s now an active campaigner against drink-driving and has produced a poster to help prevent others falling into the same trap.

Understandably he wants to remain anonymous but has penned the following statement as a warning:-

"On my 16th birthday last year, I was lucky enough to have as a present a 50cc motorbike from my parents. This was something I’d looked forward to for ages but in one stupid action a few weeks later I rightly lost my licence and the chance to continue to ride my motorbike for one year.

"After a few beers at a friend’s house to celebrate the end of the summer holidays and with most of us going to college, I took my motorbike out in the early hours of the morning to get some cigarettes from the local garage. Looking back I knew at the time I shouldn’t be driving my bike but thought it’s only a quick journey and I won’t get stopped, but I did and I was over the limit. Believe me it can happen to you, maybe not the first time you drink and drive but you could get stopped eventually or have an accident and hurt yourself or an innocent bystander.

"I now have my licence back and am riding my bike again but those few irresponsible moments will affect me for a very long time. I had great difficulty finding an insurance company to insure me and when I did the premium was £2,500. I will also have an endorsement on my licence for several years, which can affect my chances of employment.

"If I want to have a few beers with my mates now, I leave my bike and my keys at home. Believe me it isn’t worth taking a chance with your own life or someone else’s just for the sake of not driving for one night.The poster he created has been sponsored by the Portman Group Trust.

"Recent drink-drive figures show deaths caused by drunk motorists have risen by six per cent to 560 since 2001 - the highest number in six years," said Margaret Michie, the Group’s spokesperson. "The Portman Group Trust congratulates West Berkshire Council on the poster initiative, which should make motorists think responsibly about their drinking - and help ensure they leave their car behind if they’re planning to have a drink."

For further information contact RSO Margaret Newell, mnewell@westberks.gov.uk.