Festive 'Designated Driver' Campaign Launched

The PSNI is encouraging Northern Ireland drivers to take part in the Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign during this year's festive period.

The initiative is launched once a year in partnership with the Department of the Environment (DOE) to reduce instances of drink driving by rewarding those who choose to be the designated driver over the Christmas period.

From Friday 22 November to Wednesday 1 January 2014, designated drivers on a night out will be rewarded with up to three soft drinks in over 200 pubs, clubs and hotels across Northern Ireland.

PSNI Head of Operational Support, Superintendent David Moore said: "We are delighted to support this very worthwhile campaign. Our message to road users is 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 or seriously injured 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.

"In 2012, five drivers or riders were killed and 35 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. I do not accept that anyone should ever die on our roads, which is why we now have an ambition of zero road deaths."

www.designateddriver.ie

(IT/CD)