Driver Friendly Initiative launched
Written by Fiona Birkwood.
Drivers across the UK are being warned that they could be without their car for at least a year if they are not completely sober before they get behind the wheel and follow their headlights home this Christmas.
The Department for Transport (DfT) launched a new £1.2 million THINK! campaign today (December 3rd) called the Driver Friendly Initiative.
As part of the initiative, designated drivers across the UK will receive offers on soft drinks in a number of different venues.
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: "Drink driving ruins lives. Last year 430 people didn’t make it home to their families because of drink drivers.
He said that those convicted with drink driving will lose their licence for a minimum of 12 months and will have a criminal record and large fine.
"I am delighted that drinks companies and pub chains have joined our new Driver Friendly initiative to reward designated drivers for steering clear of alcohol," he added.
Last month Brake, the charity behind which is behind the annual Road Safety Week, said that one in six youngsters have driven while drunk or on drugs, or a combination of the two.
Offers for designated drivers is a good idea – anytime of year not just Christmas. In lots of pubs and bars they have offers on alcoholic drinks, meaning that those not drinking end up spending more than those who do.