Taxi’s key to Mika’s safe driving message

Double-world Formula One racing champion Mika Hakkinen slipped behind the wheel of a London taxi to launch an innovative free cab scheme aimed at putting the brakes on drink-driving.

Mika is Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador for JOHNNIE WALKER and helped launched the initiative with the slogan: “Winners always stay in control - don’t drink and drive.”

It was launched in Monaco where eight specially-liveried black cabs, from manufacturer LTI Vehicles, were offering free journeys home for revellers on a Saturday night.

“My experience as a racing driver has taught me a lot about being in control,” said Mika.

“I believe that I have a responsibility as a high-profile driver to help address the hugely important issue of drinking responsibly and never drink-driving.”

JOHNNIE WALKER is a partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. As part of his role as Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Hakkinen is helping to promote an anti-drink-driving message to the large audience of Formula One race fans around the world.

The TX4 taxis were supplied by Coventry-based manufacturer LTI Vehicles, which has been producing purpose-built taxis since the 1950s.

“Figures for people convicted of alcohol-related driving offences are at a ten-year high in England and Wales. Almost a quarter of offenders and victims of drink-driving in London are aged between 17 and 24 so it is more important than ever to ram home the message that if you are going out, you should plan your journey home,” said Matthew Cheyne, Marketing and Sales Director for LTI Vehicles.

“A London taxi is the obvious choice. Choosing a black cab means you can be sure you are getting into a vehicle that is made for the job, where the driver is properly licensed and that is recognisable as a cab wherever you are.

“We are delighted to have been able to help launch this important campaign.”