‘Don’t drink and drive’ message reinforced by TV campaign

The PSNI and Department of Environment (DoE) today reinforced their don’t drink and drive message this summer.

In a new TV campaign, which begins today and runs until the end of August, highlights 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.”

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.”

Nine people were killed on Northern Ireland’s road during June, July and August due to drivers who had taken drink or drugs.

(MB/SP)