Think! Summer drink drive warning

A new phase of summer advertising was today launched reminding drivers that it takes less that you might think to become a drink driver.

In 2003, 560 people were killed in drink driving crashes, 2,600 were seriously injured and 16,000 were slightly injured. The THINK! campaign will help to highlight that drink driving is a year round problem and there are just as many drink drive casualties in the summer months as there are over the Christmas period.

To support the new burst of activity the department has linked with organisations including over 21,000 pubs, bars and off licences which will deliver and reinforce messages to an audience of potential drink drivers at crucial decision making moments.

Road Safety Minister, Stephen Ladyman said: "The summer months see an increase in drink drive casualties and it's essential motorists remember that if they're going to drink they should get someone else to drive or leave their car at home.

''This campaign will help to ensure that drivers don't become complacent by thinking that drink driving is just a Christmas issue. You can't calculate your own drink-drive limit and the only safe option is not to drink and drive.''

As part of the Government's commitment to reducing the number of drink drive casualties, it has recently published the Road Safety Bill which contains measures to:

make the most persistent drink drivers face a re-test
allow convicted drink drivers to face 'alcohol locks', devices which need a clear breath test before the car will start
improve take up for the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme