Government Urges Passengers To 'Speak Up' To Halt Drink-Drivers

IN A bid to prevent drunk drivers from taking the wheel the Government is encouraging passengers to speak up to help reduce the risk of any serious consequences.

This advice comes from Transport Minister Robert Goodwill, following a survey showing a quarter of those who had been in a car with an over-the-limit driver had been too embarrassed to act.

As part of a new THINK! Easter drink-drive campaign, the survey showed that a number of people misjudge the effects of driving after drinking.

A third thought it was safe to drive if they waited a few hours after their last alcoholic drink, while two thirds said they would not be concerned about someone who drove after drinking with a meal.

Commenting on the survey results, Mr Goodwill said: "Everyone knows that drinking and driving is not only against the law. It's extremely dangerous. It may well be the responsibility of drivers to ensure they don't do it, but passengers can also discourage drinking and driving by speaking out.

"Clearly the majority of passengers feel confident enough to say something, but it is worrying that a significant proportion feel too shy to pipe up. I would urge anyone who sees someone attempting to drive after drinking to speak out confidently, take away their keys and call them a taxi.

He went on: "You could be helping them avoid a heavy fine, a driving ban or even a prison sentence. You could even be saving their life and the lives of others."

The latest campaign also urges people to plan their route home in advance after the survey found that more than 30% or people would get in a car with someone over the limit if it were an emergency or if there was no other way of getting home.

By Press Association reporters