Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Christmas revellers told: Think! Don’t drink and drive

12th December 2007

Sylvia Heal has backed a campaign the Christmas drink-drive THINK! Campaign, urging Christmas party goers to remember the consequences of drink driving.

More than 6,000 people were hurt in drink-drive related accidents at weekends last year, with more than a third of these injured between 10pm and 3am. To crack down on drinking and driving this Christmas, the Government and Police have once again joined forces to urge anyone hitting the party scene to leave their car keys at home.

The Christmas has this year got brand new Internet and radio adverts - to remind drivers, and young men in particular, just how badly getting behind the wheel after a few drinks can affect their lives. Alongside this, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) a nationwide police operation will be coordinated to tackle drink and drug driving over the festive period.

Sylvia Heal MP said: "Drink driving ruins lives, 540 people died in this pointless way last year.More than half a million drivers are stopped and breathalysed each year and with more breath tests carried out in December than other months. I am pleased the Government has once again teamed up with the police to highlight the importance of preventing drink driving.

"There are serious consequences - a criminal record, minimum one year driving ban and a large fine. It's just not worth paying this price for a couple of drinks at the Christmas party. Leave the car keys at home."