Statement

Don’t Mix Drink with Driving This Christmas

Posted on: December 7, 2009

North Down DUP MLA Councillor Peter Weir MLA has today urged the people of North Down not to drink any alcohol, if they are driving this Christmas party season. The DUP Assemblyman was speaking following the launch of the PSNI’s annual drink drive campaign in the run up to Christmas, aimed at tackling those people that insist on driving after consuming alcohol. Speaking today Councillor Weir said:

“The PSNI’s annual Christmas drink drive campaign is one that I support fully and it is a message that I would urge the public to pay attention to.  PSNI statistics show that 103 serious road accidents were caused by people driving under the influence of drink or drugs. This makes sobering reading and is a statistic that simply can not ignore.

The PSNI will be launching a serious of operations I the coming weeks aimed at tackling people driving under the influence of alcohol in an attempt to help prevent further loss of life on our already dangerous roads, particular in the festive party season when the alcohol is flowing and the temptation to drive home afterwards is the greatest.

I would ask people to think about the consequences of their actions before they get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol. Only one drink can impair your reactions and this can cause death and serious injury to not only yourself but to other innocent roads users.

If you are caught drink driving this Christmas you will be arrested and prosecuted and you could lose your job and you will lose your driving licence. I would wish everyone a happy and safe festive season but if you are drinking please do not drive and make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Let this festive season be a happy and safe one, please do not drink and drive.”