Drinking And Driving Don’t Mix

23 June 2005
DRINKING AND DRIVING DON’T MIX
Drivers have been warned not to drink and drive this summer.

The DOE and PSNI campaign reinforces the message that drink driving is a year round problem that puts road users at risk of death or serious injury.

DOE’s Road Safety spokesperson Harry Green said: "If you enjoy a drink at a summer BBQ, festival, sporting event or party don’t turn a great day into a disaster, leave the car at home, get someone else to drive or take a taxi.

"Last year 30 people were killed on our roads because of the effects of drink or drugs and nine of those people lost their lives during the summer months.

"It is all too easy to take a leisurely drink and be tempted to drive home. Please don’t – think about those 30 people who aren’t here this summer and what their families and friends are going through. Take even one drink and drive and you will put lives at risk."

Chief Inspector Brian Kee, deputy head of the Police Service’s Road Policing Development Branch, said: "Drink driving kills people. We are determined to deal with the problem robustly. The vast majority of drivers are sensible and do not drink and drive. Sadly, there is a minority of irresponsible people who continue to do just that putting not only their own lives but the lives of other people at risk. Let me assure them – their chances of getting caught are high. When that happens they will be brought before the courts and if convicted will inevitably lose their licences. No matter what pressures are put on police over the summer months, the detection of drink driving remains a priority."

"Remember NEVER EVER DRINK AND DRIVE."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Most recent figures showing the number of fatalities due to driver or rider – alcohol/drugs by month: 2004

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Total

4

1

5

2

3

4

2

1

2

1

5

30

2. The TV campaign will run from 23 June until the end of August 2005.

3. For further media information contact: DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003 or press.office@doeni.gov.uk

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