An Isle of Man Government campaign is urging people to act responsibly while celebrating Christmas and New Year.
 
A number of agencies are working in partnership to promote the ‘Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Act Safe’ message.
 
The harmful effects of drinking too much alcohol are being highlighted in a series of posters aimed at encouraging responsible behaviour during the party season.
 
The Isle of Man Constabulary, Department of Health and Social Care and Department of Infrastructure’s Road Safety Team are all supporting the campaign.
 
Hard-hitting posters show how alcohol can impair people’s judgement, which can have a wide range of consequences, from losing your mobile phone to losing your driving licence, liberty and employment.
 
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘We want people to have an enjoyable and peaceful end to 2014. Most of us will be out celebrating this Christmas, but it’s important not to overdo things and end up in trouble as a result. Alcohol can affect your mood and decision making, so the campaign is warning against drinking excessively. My Department has a particular focus on road safety and is emphasising that a bit of forward planning with travel arrangements can prevent a lot of heartache.’
 
Members of DoI’s Road Safety Team are advising people to organise their journey home before going out and will again be distributing Christmas cards containing the times of late-night bus services and telephone numbers for taxi operators.
 
The festive period represents one of the busiest times of the year for frontline staff within the emergency services and at Noble’s Hospital.
 
The Isle of Man Constabulary’s neighbourhood patrols focus on issues that can show a seasonal increase if not addressed, such as domestic abuse, public disorder and drink-driving. This approach has had a positive impact on the level of anti-social behaviour in previous years.
 
Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘My officers work round the clock every day of the year to ensure our local communities are safe places to live, work and enjoy a night out. Christmas and New Year is a time of celebration and people will be out socialising in large numbers. Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Act Safe is a reminder to look after yourself, keep your belongings safe and walk away from any potential trouble.’
 
He added: ‘There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving. If you are in any doubt about your fitness to drive, in particular during the morning after a night out, do not get behind the wheel. It is well documented that the police and courts adopt a zero-tolerance approach to offences of this nature.’
 
The Department of Health and Social Care is highlighting the potential impact of binge drinking on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
 
Minister Howard Quayle MHK said: ‘Alcohol can increase risk-taking behaviour while reducing people’s fear of the consequences. We want people to have a good time this Christmas, but to drink responsibly so they don’t wake up in a hospital bed the next morning. Staying in control of your decisions and wellbeing over the festive period will make for a happier and healthier New Year.’
 
The Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Act Safe campaign is supported by the website http://www.crashtest.im/ which offers anonymous advice about alcohol, drugs and lifestyle issues.
 
The posters can be viewed on the Government website at http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/road-safety/