Christmas Drink-Drive Campaign Launch 4th Dec 2009

Suffolk Roadsafe supported the launch of the Department for Transport’s Christmas ‘THINK!’ drink-drive campaign on Friday 4th December.

The media launch was held at The Plough public house in Wissett, near Halesworth.
Chief Inspector Mike Bacon, from Suffolk Constabulary (pictured left) said:

"Drink driving can have tragic consequences and I would strongly urge people not to do it. By doing so they may ruin their own lives as well as the lives of others - it really isn’t worth the risk. Last December we saw an increase in the number of people we caught drink driving. This should act as a warning: if you drink and drive you will be arrested and prosecuted. Instead of spending a night in the cells, please take the sensible option and leave your car at home - get a taxi or ask a designated driver for a lift."

Suffolk Roadsafe road safety and travel plan manager, Mike Motteram (pictured right) said:

“We in Suffolk want everyone to stay safe on the roads, and the only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive. The consequences of a drink drive conviction can have a huge impact on an individual. It could cost you your job and your ability to get around. A lot of people don’t realise how long alcohol stays in the body, so you may still be over the limit the following day. It can take up to ten hours for four cans of lager to pass through the body and for a bottle of wine 13 – that could be very unlucky for some.”

Landlord at the Wissett Plough, Nick Sumner, said:

“A conviction for drink driving can ruin your life, not just your Christmas, which is why we are pleased to be supporting this year’s Driver Friendly initiative. We want our customers to have a great time, but even one pint or glass of wine isn’t worth it given the risk. We’ll be happy to provide free soft drinks to support and reward designated drivers.”

The Driver Friendly initiative is supported by soft drinks manufacturers and pub chains across the East of England with offers on Coca-Cola soft drinks for designated drivers in more than 8,000 pubs nationwide and a variety of other promotions including discounts and free drinks.