A WIDOW whose husband was killed by a drink-driver is backing a Christmas campaign by police to target boozed-up motorists who get behind the wheel.

Dorset Police’s annual crackdown on drink and drug drivers in the run up to Christmas launches today as officers warn there will be more patrols and roadside checks during the party season.

Convicted drivers will also be named and shamed in the Dorset Echo.

Margaret Waterland spoke out about the impact on her life, and allowed the release of photos from the horrifying collision in which her husband died to serve as a warning to others.

Her husband David, 69, was killed, and she was injured, in a crash at Milborne St Andrew in May last year.

Stewart Rosoman, 51, of Milton Abbas, whose MGF car smashed into their car, was jailed for six years last month after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink.

Rosoman, who was himself injured, told a nurse he had drunk four pints of Kronenbourg lager that evening.

Margaret said: “I am urging everyone to make sure they don’t drink and drive this Christmas.

“Plan how you are going to get home before you go out. Designate a driver or get a taxi. Drink driving is simply not worth it.”

She added: “On May 15, 2013 I lost my beloved husband, Sue and Mark lost their father, Emily, Madelena and Freddie lost their grandfather – now there is just a huge void where David used to be.

“Please don’t do this to another family.”

Today Dorset Police launches its annual drink-drive crackdown and awareness campaign for the festive season, which continues until January 1.

Throughout there will be increased traffic patrols and roadside checks, targeting late night and early morning drivers, and unmarked police cars will pull up people suspected of drink-driving.

As in previous years anyone charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence during that time will have their names and court appearances released to the media.

Every driver in a collision will be breathalysed, regardless of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not. Anyone caught faces a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to six months in prison and a fine up to £5,000.

Inspector Matt Butler of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit said: “I have seen far too many crashes that have been caused by the irresponsible few who think they are above the laws and will drink and drive. Stewart Rosoman took that risk and not only claimed the life of an innocent man, but also ruined his own.

“I urge everyone to take a minute to think before they get behind the wheel after drinking. No-one deserves to lose their life because of someone else’s stupidity.”

Inspector Butler also urged people to call the police on 101 or 999 immediately is they think someone is drink or drug driving, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Follow the campaign on Twitter @dorsetpolice #PDXmas drinkdrive and at facebook.com/dorsetpolice

Brave Margaret shares her story:

AT 11.40pm on May 15 last year on a narrow county lane at Milborne St Andrew, Margaret Waterland’s life was shattered.

That was the moment drink-driver Stewart Rosoman smashed into her car – killing her husband David.

Now, with incredibly bravery, she is speaking of the impact that night has had on her family, in a bid to stop others facing the same terrible consequences.

“I went out that night a wife and came home a widow,” she said. “David had been my world for almost 40 years, and that night he was snatched from me all because Stewart Rosoman made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel after drinking.

“It’s had an horrific impact,” she added. “One minute you have a family life and the next minute it's gone.”

After an enjoyable evening spent with friends, Margaret and her husband of 35 years had been driving back to their home in Wareham when the unthinkable happened.

“I remember everything,” said Margaret. “We had been to a friends’ for dinner and we were driving home discussing what we would do the next day and just generally chatting and saying what a nice evening we’d had when suddenly these lights appeared from nowhere.

“David said ‘what the...’ I just screamed. He hit us and that was that. Within five minutes David had gone.”

Rosoman, 51, of Milton Abbas, was convicted of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink and jailed for six years.

During the case the court heard he had been drinking at the Hambro Arms pub for several hours on the day of the crash and had consumed several pints of strong lager.

Forensic examination of the scene showed that his vehicle was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the collision with the Honda Jazz being driven by David Waterland.

Since then Margaret has fought to remain strong.

“I have to try to plan something to do each day to give me something to aim for or I would just hibernate,” she added.

“I said to my family liaison officer I have a face like Eleanor Rigby just by the door – I put on my happy face when I go out of the house, and I keep my sad face for indoors.”

She added: “Last year was hard – the first Christmas, the first wedding anniversary, the first everything. It was all so difficult. This year is not so bad but it’s still not easy.”

For those still not heeding the drink drive warning she has a simple message.

“My life and my family’s lives have been shattered – but also the person who caused this. His children and his family are suffering.

“Think of your own family before you take the risk. Designate a driver, get a taxi, get a train – it’s very easy.

“By doing this if I can stop one other family going through what we have been through it will be worth it.”

She added: “Everyone has said that David would have been very proud of me. He’s probably looking down thinking ‘you’re saying it all wrong!’ “I want to do my best to prevent it happening to someone else. I want to be strong for him.”

Inspector Matt Butler added: “We are really grateful to Margaret. She has been through a such a horrible time and to have to relive that must be awful for her “It brings home the human emotion. This is something that can happen to normal people. Normal people’s lives are destroyed, unfortunately far too often, by drink driving. By Margaret giving that message hopefully she will be making and difference and saving a life.”

He added: “Please if you are going to go out by all means have a drink, have a good time, but don’t get in a car and drive home. It isn’t worth it.

“Please don’t do it.”