A PORTLAND crash victim who lost his leg after being hit by a drink-driver is urging motorists to think twice before taking risks.

Pete Bower, of Church Lane, is once again throwing his weight behind Dorset Police’s month-long summer drink and drug driving campaign.

He spoke of how drastically his life changed after he was knocked off his motorbike by a driver who was over the legal drink drive limit on Portland Beach Road in August 2009.

The mechanic said: “I was lucky to survive what happened to me.

“My life was completely taken over.

“It is frustrating because there are so many limitations to my everyday life now and I can’t stand up for too long at work.

“This campaign is very important because if people knew they were going to get caught they might think twice.

He added: “I’m just worried that police cuts will mean that the resources needed to crackdown on this problem won’t be there and the issue could get worse.

“I will always support campaigns like this.”

Trudy Bartlett, of Weymouth, whose husband Ray was killed by a drink-driver, said: “The solution is simple and that is just don’t drink and drive.

“These campaigns are really good and I support them.

“Drink can affect you and you don't realise.”

Dorset Police are warning drivers not to drink and drive and the message is not to consume any alcohol at all to avoid all risks.

The force’s annual drink and drug driving campaign runs from tomorrow and ends on June 30.

There will be additional checks throughout the county during the campaign.

This will include early morning checks, carried out by both marked and unmarked police patrols.

Anyone involved in a collision during the campaign period will be breath-tested.

As well as vehicle stop-checks, police also want to hear from the public if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Inspector’s plea to stay safe while on the road

Matt Butler, traffic inspector for Dorset Police, said: “Drink driving isn’t tolerated in Dorset at any time of the year, and the summer campaign is a timely reminder to those who think that it is acceptable that they will be caught.

“We usually receive great support from the public and if you have information about someone who is drink-driving we need to hear from.

“I’d also urge anyone going out for a drink to plan ahead to make sure you can get home without having to drive yourself.

“Book a taxi, take public transport or stay with friends – whatever you do don’t drink and drive. Drink-driving is one of the ‘fatal four’ factors in road traffic collisions, alongside speed, driver distractions and not wearing a seat belt.”

Officers warned that the legal consequences of being caught drink driving can include driving bans, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.