Ten drivers have been already been arrested during the first two weeks of this year’s drink drive campaign.
 
The Anti-Drink-Drive Campaign run jointly by the DoI’s Road Safety team and the Isle of Man Constabulary is entering its next phase with all the ‘Drinking and Driving Specials’ publicity on display.

The campaign uses as its theme the ‘Specials Boards’ - as seen in pubs and restaurants to advertise their daily menu.

The Drinking and Driving specials are:

•         12 month Ban                     
•         A fine of up to ?5000
•         A free criminal record
•         Reduced job prospects
 
The campaign also publicises the ways to avoid the specials by catching a bus, booking a taxi or having a designated driver to drive you home.  Demand for the campaign leaflet which includes details of taxis and bus times has been so great that a reprint has been required.   A copy of the leaflet can be downloaded from the Government’s website: www.gov.im/antidd.
 
The Road Safety Promotions vehicle will be in the Douglas Shopping area during the busiest shopping times.  
 
Inspector Iain MacMillan gave the following update: “Despite this year’s clear message about drivers’ responsibilities in regards drinking and then driving, it is disappointing that since 1 December 2012 ten people chose to ignore this message, and have subsequently been arrested.  Eight have been charged, with three now disqualified from driving for up to three years.   The police will continue to focus their activities on ensuring that drivers who drink and then drive are brought before the Courts”. 
 
Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Manager Gordon Edwards said: “If you are going out socialising this festive period, you need to ask yourself ‘How will I get home safely?’    We are encouraging people to catch a late bus, book a taxi or allocate a designated driver.”
 
Finally, work has already started on a further campaign to highlight the danger of using a mobile phone in the car without a hands free kit.  You may want to consider a hands free kit for Christmas to save a driver a fine, or worse, a collision in the New Year.