09/06/2005

Summer drink-driving campaign launched

An anti-drink-driving campaign has been launched by the government for the summer to remind motorists of the dangers of drink-driving.

The new Think! Campaign aims to reinforce the message that there are just as many accidents caused by drink drivers in summer months as there are over the Christmas period.

The campaign, which will include television, radio and cinema advertising, is being supported by over 21,000 pubs, bars and off-licenses across the country.

Commenting on the campaign, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: “The summer months see an increase in drink drive casualties and it’s essential motorists remember that itf they’re going to drink, they should get someone else to drive or leave their car at home.

“This campaign will help to ensure that drivers don’t become complacent by thinking that drink driving is just a Christmas issue. You can’t calculate your own drink-drive limit and the only safe option is not to drink and drive.”

In 2003, 560 people were killed in drink driving crashes, 2,600 suffered serious injuries and 16,000 were slightly injured.

The government’s Road Safety Bill also contains measures aimed at clamping down on drink drivers include making persistent offenders re-take their test and advises the introduction of ‘alcohol locks’ – devices which require a clear breath test before a car will start.

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 December 2011
'Virtual Court' To Help Sentence Drink Drivers
Drink Drivers caught in the act over Christmas could loose their licences within 90 minutes of being charged with the help of a "virtual court". The idea of a "virtual court" is that video links between stations and courts will be used to help hand out swifter punishment to motorists found under the influence.
03 June 2008
Police Clamp Down On Summer Drink Drivers
The Metropolitan Police has kicked of its summer crackdown on people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The drive is in support of the national month long campaign, spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), which will see traffic officers out in force tackling the seasonal increase in drink and drug offences.
26 September 2011
Ulster Goes It Alone On Drink-Driving
Ulster's drink-drive limit is to be almost halved for most drivers under the biggest shake-up in the law for 40 years and random breath testing will also enforce the tough new limits.
11 June 2015
30 Arrests Made In First 10 Days Of Summer Drink Drive Campaign
North Yorkshire Police have made 30 arrests in the first ten days of its summer drink and drug driving campaign. Of the 30 arrests made: 12 were in York, 5 in Harrogate, 3 in Craven, 4 in Scarborough, 1 in Selby, 3 in Ryedale and 2 in Richmond. And nineteen people have been charged and appeared in court.
20 July 2007
Drink-drive campaign targets young male motorists
Young men are being targeted by a new £3 million anti-drink drive campaign, which has been launched by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly. The new campaign is called 'Moments of Doubt' and focuses on the social consequences of being caught drink driving, rather than previous shocking images of crashes.