Politicians back campaign to cut Christmas drink driving

THE Taoiseach and Tánaiste joined opposition leaders yesterday to toast the success of a campaign to eradicate drink driving.

Stressing a Safe Home message, they came together at Leinster House to express support for the Christmas Designated Driver Campaign organised by the Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society organisation.

Using the slogan Drive Straight and Designate, the campaign aims to get people who are socialising during Christmas to designate a member of their group to refrain from drinking alcohol so they can drive everyone home safely.

Commenting on the campaign, the Taoiseach said: “Drink driving is dangerous and unacceptable. This campaign highlights a very simple solution to the problem, and I would encourage everyone to designate a driver as part their plans when they’re getting ready for a night out.”

This is the second year that MEAS has organised their campaign and it is supported by the gardaí and the National Safety Council, the Automobile Association and the drinks industry.

Another aspect of the campaign is an annual competition run by MEAS for publicans who come up with the most imaginative programme to support the designated drivers. Typically, the publicans offer free non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers and organise reduced taxi rates.

This year’s winners include the Spanish Arch Bar in Galway; the Arc Bar in Dublin; Toss Kavanagh’s in Co Wexford; the Harvester Bar, Co Kilkenny and the Kilbracken Arms, Co Leitrim.