Moment 'unconscious' driver arrested in Cheltenham as police find empty wine bottle in car

  • Watch: Bodycam footage shows driver 'unconscious' behind the wheel

Footage of a Cheltenham driver who appeared to be unconscious behind the wheel has been released as part of a police anti-drink driving campaign.

The woman was followed by officers as she drove home earlier this year. According to officers in the video, she had been sick in front of a member of the public and crashed her car while under the influence.

Police arrested the woman for drink-driving related offences and she was later charged with failing to provide a specimen of breath.

She was disqualified from driving for 20 months and received a 12-month community order with an eight-week electronic tag order. She was also required to complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and pay a £180 fine.

"You could have killed yourself and you could have killed somebody else," officers say to the driver in the video.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has issued the video as a warning to people about the dangers and the consequences of drink-driving.

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The number of roadside checks in both urban and rural areas will increase throughout the festive season.

"We will be out in force over the Christmas period and would ask that people consider their actions before getting behind the wheel," said Chief Inspector Alistair Barby.

"We all know of the profound impact that driving after having been drinking or taking drugs can have on people, and so we will be ensuring that those who ignore this advice will be targeted.

"It is important that those people understand the consequences of their actions."

Police officers found an empty bottle of wine by the front passenger seat. Credit: Gloucestershire Constabulary

The campaign also targets drug-driving. According to the force, drivers who consume both drugs and alcohol are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who are sober.

Councillor Dave Norman, cabinet member for road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system will impair your ability to drive safely.

"Drink-driving can have devastating consequences and I would urge everyone to think about this before considering driving after a drink. Enjoy the festive period and choose zero alcohol and drugs if you are driving."