Campaign targets drink drivers

Drink drivers have been targeted in a hard-hitting campaign launched today by road safety and taxi chiefs.

Over the next eight-weeks advertisements will hit the airwaves warning friends socialising over the summer months to get home safely in taxis, hackneys and limousines.

Noel Brett, of the Road Safety Authority, said the campaign reminds people to plan ahead when going out for a drink over the holiday period.

“The key message is enjoy yourselves when socialising but not to mix drinking and driving,” he said.

“Leave the keys at home and arrange alternative transport such as a taxi or hackney, and don’t forget that time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Don’t assume you are safe to drive the morning after a night out.”

Commissioner for Taxi Regulation, Kathleen Doyle, said people should never drink and drive.

“Everybody likes to get out and enjoy themselves during an Irish summer,” she said.

“This campaign is aimed at reminding people that Ireland’s licensed taxis, hackneys and limousines provide a first class, flexible, door-to-door service, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.”

The campaign will run again at Christmas to boost anti drink drive initiatives.