"THINK of the mourning after" – That was the message from Police and the Department of Infrastructure at the launch of this year's annual drink drive campaign.

This 2010 joint initiative between the Department of Infrastructure's Road Safety Unit and the Isle of Man Constabulary has two clear messages - "I should have crashed out at my mate's house last night" and "Think of the mourning after".

Publicity material features the aftermath of a crash scene, caused by a drink driver, which was taken from police archives.

Inspector Mark Britton, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "We want to make it clear that we want people to enjoy their Christmas period and the New Year but one of the things that could mar that is if you are arrested for drink driving.

"We need to consider the impact of drink driving not only on the individuals but on the community of the Isle of Man as a whole."

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: "Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to drive safely. Reaction time is impaired as is the ability to judge speed. Alcohol may also create an increase confidence in ability and therefore promote risk taking behaviour."

A number of factors can influence whether a driver is or is not over the legal limit so it is very unlikely that people can accurately assess if they are under the limit. These include the size of the person driving, their metabolism, food eaten, whether they are male of female and the type of alcohol that has been drunk.

Mr Gawne continued: "You can’t calculate your own drink drive limit so the only safe option is not to drink and drive. You may have only had one or two drinks but even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to drive safely.

"If you drink and drive you are taking a massive risk and face prosecution from the police or worse still endangering your own life and the lives of innocent people.

"We are asking motorists this year to plan their night out and their way home whether that is public transport or staying with a friend for the night. With other options available the only excuse for drinking and driving is selfishness."

 
Inspector Britton said the message needs to be taken seriously: "Last year in the run up to Christmas we saw far too many arrests for drink driving. We want to see less victims. We want to see less offenders for drink driving. We want people to take heed of this very real message.

"The reality is with speeds increasing on the Island and with your impairment due to drink – if you crash the likelihood is that you or someone is going to be killed or injured."

 
PC Pete Dyer, who works in the Roads Policing Unit and helped plan the campaign, said: "I believe that anyone who drink drives does not believe they are going to get caught. Their world falls apart when they do.

"Going to the scene of a crash caused by a drink driver affects everyone – it affects us. It's always in the back of your head."

This year police are encouraging residents to "dob in a drink driver". PC Dyer advised of what other motorists can look out for.

He said: "People's reactions are slower and they probably don't realise that they are driving more erratically. It is things like not stopping at a stop sign and crossing the white lines coming round a corner. Phone 999 and report the details of the car. There is no harm in us stopping someone who is sober."

 
The penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Drivers are fined up to £5,000, disqualified, and in some cases given periods of imprisonment. The reciprocal ban legislation also means that any disqualification incurred in the Isle of Man will apply in the UK. Convicted drink drivers will also have to retake their driving test and pay more for insurance.

 
Mr Gawne added: "In a small community, such as the Isle of Man, drink driving and the social stigma of being a drink driver is a major consideration."

 
Inspector Britton concluded: "We want this year to be the lowest for arrests with less injuries and less victims. We will provide high profile policing in conjunction with the Department of Infrastructure over the period to educate drivers and identify suspected drink drivers.

"We want everyone to enjoy their Christmas and the festivities that go with it. Do not mix drinking with the temptation to drive."