This year’s campaign warning motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving was launched on 28th November at the Sea Terminal, Douglas.
The 2012 campaign is a follow-up to the campaign run last year which warns of the dangers and consequences of drink driving by detailing them in the style of a pub specials board, the ‘drinking and driving specials’ being a 12 month driving ban, a fine of up to ?5,000 and a free criminal record. The campaign also encourages people to become designated drivers or take public transport home after an evening out.
Department for Infrastructure’s Road Safety Manager Gordon Edwards said: ‘There is no way of measuring how even just one or two drinks will affect your ability to drive safely.
If you decide to drink and drive you are taking a big risk not just with your own life but with the lives of other innocent motorists and pedestrians. It really isn’t worth it!’
The Road Safety team will be out and about around the Island during the festive period to encourage motorists to take heed of the anti-drink drive message.
The campaign poster images are available to be downloaded from the DOI Website http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/transport/highways/Roadsafety/22386rsixmasdrinkdriveconcepts_.pdf
Inspector Iain MacMillan from the Roads Policing Unit said “The message we are giving to motorists is simple; don’t drink and drive. People arrested and charged with drink driving offences during the campaign period will be fast tracked through the Court system, and will be bailed to appear in court the next day, or if appropriate kept in Police Custody. If you choose to drink and drive, justice will be swift, and you will have to deal with the consequences that losing your license will bring to you and your family. Please be assured that the Constabulary will be working to arrest suspected drink-drivers who risk the safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of others.”
Gordon Edwards continued: ‘Even the morning after your night out you may still be over the legal limit for driving. Please ensure that you are complying with the law by taking the bus or a taxi to work. Make sure that you don’t ruin your Christmas and New Year, with an unwanted Drinking and Driving Special.’
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