Drink-drive advert breaks new ground

A NEW TELEVISION ADVERT to warn of the dangers of drink-driving is the first ever to deliberately use a drunken presenter.

In the advert, an actor who was recorded the evening before having taken several alcoholic drinks is heard to slur, stumble and giggle as he tries to describe how is body feels in reaction to the alcohol.

However, the film shows the same actor the next day when he appears sober but his body is still dealing with the alcohol.

The new advert is aimed at raising awareness of how someone can seem sober but is still over the drink-drive limit the next day.

Directed by double-BAFTA award winner Dominic Savage, the advert is both funny and serious.

Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill said: ‘Even if you feel sober the morning after drinking, your body may still be way over the limit. If caught, you will get a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record and you could even end up in jail.

‘The message is clear: if you are going to drink, don’t even consider driving. Think very carefully about whether you are really safe to drive in the morning. It can have devastating effects on your life and the lives of other people.’

The advert can be seen on the Think!UK page on YouTube or at http://think.direct.gov.uk/

By Press Association reporters