Drink/drive campaign over weekend

22 October 2003: The National Safety Council has launched a new drink/drive campaign on the eve of the October Bank Holiday.

With the slogan “Never ever drink and drive - Arrive Alive!” the campaign is sponsored by the Irish Insurance Federation and will deliver a hard hitting anti drink driving message over the weekend.

The Arrive Alive campaign is mainly focused on the 18 to 35 age group but has relevance for all drivers and concentrates on the absolute necessity of not drinking and driving. The council acknowledges the co-operation and support received from the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Sports Clubs nationally in the placement of print materials – Posters, Tent Cards, Drip Mats in their premises for the duration of the promotion.

An Garda Siochana will commence “Operation Taisteal” at midnight tonight and it will run until midnight on Monday. The key focus of this operation is the detection of driving while intoxicated, drivers speeding, and the non-wearing of seatbelts.

Chief Superintendent Denis Fitzpatrick warns that “people who persist in committing these offences will be caught, will be fined, will receive penalty points and where appropriate may lose their licence”.

The Arrive Alive campaign is also being supported by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, major Supermarket Groups, Local Authorities, Insurance Companies, National Toll Roads, AA Roadwatch, Local Radio Stations and a range of Commercial Organisations.

Alcohol is estimated to be associated with at least 30% of all road crashes and 40% of all fatal crashes.

©2003 irishcar.com