DFT) Christmas revellers told: think! don't drink and drive
| Published: 3rd December 2007 13:14 |
Department for Transport (London) says Don't Drink and Drive.
More than 200 people in London were hurt in drink drive related accidents at weekends last year, with over a third of these injured between 10pm and 3am. To remind drivers, and young men in particular, just how badly getting behind the wheel after drinking can affect their lives, the Christmas drink drive THINK! campaign was launched by the Department for Transport today.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick was out with Sussex Police in Crawley on Thursday [29 November], to see for himself how dedicated the Police are to taking drink drivers off the road this Christmas. He said:
""Drink driving ruins lives. Last year 540 people died in this pointless, avoidable way - that's lives shattered and the dreams of family and friends devastated.
"I have been out with Sussex Police on their first Christmas crackdown this year, and was amazed at how even the smallest sign can give drink drivers away to these highly trained officers. Being caught has serious consequences - a criminal record, minimum one year driving ban and large fine. It's just not worth paying this price for a couple of drinks at the Christmas party. Leave the car keys at home."
As well as new radio and internet adverts the THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign will include this summer's new Moment of Doubt TV advert, cinema and in-pub advertising and partnership marketing. The campaign will also hit the road to remind drivers that they have too much to lose from having even one alcoholic drink with shoppers, commuters and party goers in major cities targeted.
London's LARSOA (Local Authority Road Safety Officers Association) Spokesperson Simon Ettinghausen said:
"We want everyone in London to have a safe and happy Christmas. People are very often unaware of the true consequences of losing their licence when they take the risk to drink and drive. Nobody really thinks about the long-term impact this can have, such as on their current job and future career prospects and effects on their family, friends and social life."
