6 December 1999
THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK ........ AND WALK
CHRISTMAS AND MILLENNIUM ANTI-DRINK DRIVING CAMPAIGN
Northern Ireland’s Christmas and Millennium anti-drink driving campaign has some special words of advice ........ for pedestrians!
While motorists continue to be the main focus for the message of ‘never, ever drink and drive,’ the expected festivities have prompted a warning to people about the dangers of alcohol for pedestrians.
A joint campaign launch, involving the Minister for the Environment, Sam Foster, and Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan, RUC Operations, took place outside Belfast City Hall this morning.
At the launch the Minister for the Environment said:
"This year we are not only celebrating Christmas and the New Year, we are also standing on the threshold of a new Millennium with all the hopes and challenges that brings. People will be celebrating in many different ways, but there is every likelihood that, with extra holidays and extended opening hours in many pubs and clubs, a lot of alcohol will be consumed.
"And alcohol can kill. In the first nine months of this year 16 people were killed and more than 500 were injured in crashes in which alcohol or drugs taken by drivers or motorcyclists played a part. During the same period 7 people were killed and over 60 were injured due to alcohol or drugs taken by pedestrians.
"So while the road safety message is still directed particularly at drivers, it must be remembered that pedestrians who take too much drink and then walk on the roads are also a danger to both themselves and others."
Endorsing the ‘never ever drink and drive message’, Assistant Chief Constable McQuillan said:
"Celebrating Christmas and the arrival of the year 2000 will have a special meaning for many. We want people to enjoy it and to remember it for all the right reasons and not because a member of their family has become another casualty as a result of drinking and driving – or, indeed, drinking and walking.
"We would appeal to people to be careful and suggest that at least one member of a party should avoid alcohol to try to ensure the safety of others. As far as motorists are concerned, let there be no misunderstanding, there will be no let up by police in the drive against the selfish and dangerous minority who continue to get behind the steering wheel after drinking."
Support for the anti-drink driving campaign has also come this year from the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Ambulance Service, as well as the Road Safety Council.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Peter Craig, said: "Nearly every day, fire crews across Northern Ireland witness first hand the results of road traffic crashes involving alcohol and have to deal with the tragic results. Family life destroyed for what – another drink?"
Kenny McMahon, Director of Operations for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, added: "It is a tragic but well known fact that road traffic accidents leave a legacy of unnecessary death, injury and mayhem in their wake. It is often the innocent road user who suffers as a result of someone driving after having taken alcohol. Make sure you have a happy Christmas but don’t drink and drive."
Ronnie Trouton, President of the Road Safety Council of Northern Ireland added: "Most sensible people now agree that drinking and driving is totally anti-social and morally wrong at any time of the year. People should remember that Christmas and the Millennium celebrations could be tragically destroyed if mixed with drinking and driving or by walking on roads when drunk. Both activities are known killers."
For further information contact:
Phillip Maguire, at the DOE Press Office 01232 540013; or
Russell McLernon, at the RUC Press Office, 01232 650222 or mobile 0800 926060.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Department of Environment has responsibility for road safety promotion under the new devolved administration.
991206b-env.htm