alcohol bottles

Stay safe on the roads this festive season: Isle of Wight council urges caution

The Isle of Wight council is launching a drink-drive campaign to remind motorists that good drivers don’t drive under the influence. Drink driving is illegal and puts lives at risk as it impairs your ability to drive, even if it is just one drink.

The council has commissioned advertising space on buses and some car ferries to help spread the message.

It continues to support the government’s THINK! campaign, “A Mate Doesn’t Let a Mate Drink Drive”, which calls on mates to look after each other on a night out.

Campbell: Plan a safe route home
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said,

“If you’re visiting family and friends or attending an event, we encourage you to plan a safe route home.

“Use public transport, book a taxi or designate a driver who will remain sober.

“Your designated driver doesn’t need to feel left out; they can drink alternatives such as soft drinks, mocktails or zero alcohol drinks.”

Lucioni: Drink driving is never worth the risk
Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for public safety, said,

“We would like to thank the majority of people who are safe and responsible motorists and encourage everybody, whether they are locals or visitors, to stay safe this Christmas.

“Drink driving is never worth the risk.”

Ball: Carrying out regular patrols this December
PC Andrew Ball, of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police joint operations roads policing team, said,

“Our dedicated roads policing officers work tirelessly to make our roads safer, and this includes enforcing the law against drink drivers. Even having just one drink can massively alter your ability to maintain control of your vehicle and drive safely.

“It’s simply not worth the risk when you consider the utter devastation a serious injury or fatal collision could cause. We will be carrying out regular patrols this December throughout Operation Holly to target drink and drug drivers.”

Lines: It’s such an important message to get out
Crew manager, David Lines, of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service community safety team, added,

“Once again, we are working closely with our partners to make our roads safer for everyone across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“The best way to deal with road traffic collisions is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

“It’s such an important message to get out to as many people as possible — don’t drink and drive. It’s simply not worth the risk.”


Image: Andreas M under CC BY 2.0