Coke Backs Designated Festive Drivers

A 'designated driver' Christmas campaign was unveiled yesterday with the backing of a global soft-drinks company and with the support of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI.

In an initiative that will be running on both sides of the Irish border, the Coca-Cola initiative provides free soft drinks for designated drivers socialising in any participating venue.

The campaign - which includes Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic - also has the backing of 2001 'Big Brother' winner, Brian Dowling. He said it was "something that he was truly passionate about" when he launched the campaign in Belfast yesterday evening and earlier when he was in the Dublin nightclub used on Tuesday morning for the Republic's launch.

A nationwide road show was also announced that features "designated driver chauffeurettes" who will be travelling around Ireland to promote the importance of road safety.

Designated drivers on a night out will be given vouchers by participating venues that they can exchange for up to three non-alcoholic beverages offered by Coca-Cola, including a range of soft drinks and Deep RiverRock water.

Customers can find out if there local venue is participating by checking out the campaign's website or Facebook page.

Commenting, Erica Roseingrave of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland said: "We are delighted to play a role in reducing the problem of drink driving during the festive season.

"Working in partnership with our customers all over the country, we aim to offer consumers a tangible reward for choosing to be the designated driver on a night out."

Top Dublin cop, John Twomey, the Assistant Commissioner, Traffic, said the Garda were "delighted to support this important initiative".

"We are appealing to all road users to take responsibility and to always put safety first. Don't make this Christmas one to remember for all the wrong reasons. Designate a driver, and let's all work together to prevent further deaths and serious injuries on our roads over the festive season," he said.

See: Designated Drivers 'Go Pop' also, See:

www.designated-driver.co.uk

(BMcC/KMcA)