Christmas Designated Drivers Scheme Launched

Designated drivers are once again being rewarded this Christmas as Coca Cola begins its annual free soft drinks scheme.

Over 250 pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels have signed up to promote the scheme, which rewards those who choose to drive to social events over the holidays with free soft drinks.

The 2012 Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign runs until Sunday 30 December 2012.

The campaign classes as a "Designated Driver" driving friends and family home from a night out socialising, while abstaining from alcohol.

Paula Colhoun, Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, said: "Christmas is a time of celebrating with family and friends and through the Designated Driver programme, Coca-Cola is offering consumers free soft drinks, juices and bottled water as a reward for making the responsible decision to be the designated driver during the festive season."

Inspector Rosie Leech, PSNI, said: "We are delighted to support this very worthwhile campaign. Our message to road users is very simple. Do not drink and drive. We do not want officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads because someone decided to drive after drinking."

Iain Greenway, Director of DOE Road Safety & Vehicle Regulation advised: "As we look forward to Christmas, we have a duty to our own families and friends to ensure we are there to celebrate with them. We also have to ensure other people are able to celebrate with their relatives and friends too. The safest way to do that is to book a taxi or have a designated driver who will not drink alcohol.

"Last year, nine drivers or riders were killed and 87 were seriously injured in collisions attributed to alcohol or drugs. All of these families’ lives changed forever the moment those drivers responsible took a drink and decided to drive."

A full list of participating venues is available at www.designateddriver.ie.

Free drinks vouchers can be downloaded before the designated drivers visit the venues. Smart phone users can also access the device while on the go, to access a list of venues promoting the scheme.

(IT)