The night of December 31, 2024, brought celebrations across France, but it was also marked by heightened vigilance from law enforcement to curb impaired driving. Gérard Gavory, the Prefect of Vendée, had already announced plans for increased road checks as part of the New Year's festivities, underscoring the government's commitment to road safety during this busy time.
Gavory stated on social media, "The driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is under heightened vigilance." This proclamation set the tone for what many hoped would be a safe celebration.
Despite these precautions, the results indicated there was still work to be done. During the New Year's celebrations and the first day of 2025, law enforcement recorded 67 infractions across Vendée. Out of these, 32 related to driving under the influence, which included 28 cases involving alcohol and 4 related to drug use. Police also reported the retention of 18 driving licenses and the confiscation of 18 vehicles, alongside three instances where drivers refused to comply with police commands.
Reflecting on these findings, Gavory urged, "Every road user must respect the basic rules of the highway code and not engage in dangerous behaviors for themselves and others on the road." His message aimed to highlight the necessity of responsible driving, especially during festivities where the temptation to indulge can increase.
Simultaneously, reports from Creuse painted a different picture of the evening's outcome. Gendarmes stationed across the region were relieved to find the night particularly calm. Around 40 gendarmes were deployed to monitor road safety, engaging with drivers as they made their way home. They conducted approximately 200 alcohol tests and identified three individuals who tested positive for alcohol. Two of these drivers faced immediate license revocation instances for exceeding the legal alcohol limits.
One of the tested drivers displayed significantly high blood alcohol levels, reaching 1.6 grams, emphasizing the dangers present. Still, the gendarmes of Creuse were thankful for the overall conduct of the public, with one officer remarking, "People were cautious tonight," highlighting the positive adherence to safety measures by many motorists.
While the figures from Vendée showed significant violations, the sentiment across Creuse was one of gratitude for the relatively harmonious celebrations. The concerted efforts from both the National Police and the gendarmerie exemplify the importance of such vigilance during major holidays when the risks for impaired driving peak.
Ending the night with clear calls for cautious driving, Prefect Gavory's message served as both a warning and encouragement. The emphasis on safety reminds all citizens of their shared responsibility on the roads. His repeated insistence on compliance with the rules reinforces the concept of public safety as a collective endeavor.
New Year's Eve may be synonymous with celebration and festivity, but through enhanced observations and proactive measures, France's law enforcement agencies hope to strike the right balance between enjoyment and safety. This year's heightened checks may have been met with some resistance, but they lay the groundwork for future seasons of celebration, promoting enduring practices of caution and respect for the road.