Christmas drink-driving campaign launched
The Government’s Christmas drink-drive campaign is launched today with the leading message “it takes less than you think for your driving to be impaired”.
From today, anti-drink-drive slogans will be attached to milk cartons and placed at selected off-licences, bars and pub chains.
The message will be that “the only safe way is not to drink and drive”.
The Government estimates 560 people were killed in 2004 in drink-drive related incidents, with 2,600 seriously injured and 19,000 slightly injured.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is leading the campaign to warn motorists that supping just a small amount of alcohol before driving could increase the chances of a fatal crash.
“As we enter the festive period it is essential that motorists remember that if they are going to drink, they should either leave their car at home or get someone else to drive,” Mr Darling said.
“You can’t calculate your own drink-drive limit and the only safe way is not to drink and drive.”
The Minister said most law-abiding motorists were fed up with “the reckless minority of drivers” who take unacceptable risks by drinking and driving.
New police powers in the Road Safety Bill increased penalties for irresponsible drivers, he added.
Road safety charity Brake welcomed the Government’s initiative, but called for tougher measures against drink-drivers by lowering the legal alcohol limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
Chief executive Mary Williams said: “It is absolutely essential that drivers do not drink and drive, not a drop.
“Of course we support the Department of Transport’s annual drink-drive campaign, but it is far less effective than a hard-hitting year-round campaign.
“The Government must make it clear that drink-driving is not acceptable at any time, Christmas or otherwise.”
