DESIGNATED drivers are being offered free soft drinks from some of Cambridgeshire’s licenced establishments as part of the annual winter drink drive campaign.
Over the festive period, selected pubs and clubs across the county have agreed to provide free draught soft drinks to designated drivers all evening, all they need to do is ask for an ‘I’m DES’ wristband from a member of bar staff.
The county-wide initiative, instigated by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (CPRSP), has been put in place to encourage drivers to not have any alcoholic drinks at all.
PC Jon Morris, Casualty Reduction Officer for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive so we are asking people to do one or the other. We advise if you’re drinking, even just one, don’t drive and arrange an alternative way of getting home.
“To support designated drivers throughout the festive season we will be promoting the ‘I’m DES’ campaign across Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire and Cambridge City which allows unlimited draught soft drinks for designated drivers through the holiday season.”
Matt Staton, from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership (CPRSP), said: “Drinking creates a feeling of overconfidence, makes judging distance and speed more difficult and slows your reactions, so it takes longer to stop and therefore is a contributing factor to many collisions and fatalities on our roads.
“Members of the partnership see first-hand the effect that alcohol can have on people’s lives, therefore we are asking if you are driving over the festive season, please take advantage of the ‘I’m DES’ campaign if there is one running near you, and don’t take the risk of having any alcoholic drinks.”
To get your ‘I’m DES’ wristband, simply ask a member of bar staff at the participating venues. A full list of venues can be found here https://www.cprsp.co.uk/campaigns/i-m-des-christmas-designated-driver/.
Jason Ablewhite, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire, said: “Alcohol is one of the top five contributors to fatal road traffic collisions so having a stone cold sober “Des” is a great way to ensure that everyone gets home safely after a good night out. This is a fantastic initiative and I thank all those venues taking part. Keep safe and have a happy Christmas.”
Here in Cambridgeshire we have a designated, confidential hotline number for members of the public to report drink drivers and those driving under the influence of drugs.
Calling 0800 032 0845 is available 24/7, and allows people to supply the police with information to help reduce the number of drink drivers on our roads.
More information about drink driving, the law and the dangers can be found on Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s website here – www.cambs.police.uk/drinkdrugdriving.
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