Don’t let alcohol ruin your Christmas presence

MEDIA RELEASE

01 December 2009

Taupo residents and visitors will be getting a blunt reminder over the next few weeks that drinking and driving don’t mix. 

Taupo District Council, in conjunction with Taupo Police, will be running a road safety campaign focusing on preventing crashes which occur as a result of drink driving.  Alcohol is deemed to be a major contributing factor to the fatal and serious crashes in the Taupo District.  

18 people have died on Taupo District roads since January this year, with two of the deaths occurring on local roads.  

With messages like “Don’t ruin your Christmas presence”, “Be home for Christmas” and “Your family needs you”, the campaign is intended to strike a personal note at a time of year when family gatherings are most important.

Nigel Richards, Assistant Area Commander for Central Lakes Fire, supports the campaign. He says it is simply a case of don’t drink AND drive, but rather drink OR drive, “then you will live to see another Christmas...Merry Christmas everyone and safe driving.” 

Taupo District Council Road Safety Co-ordinator Christine Hutchison says that road safety these summer holidays needs to be everyone's responsibility. “The idea is simple, plan your festivities, ensure a safe ride home and look after your family and friends.” 

The campaign will run through December until early January 2010.

Contact:
Christine Hutchison
Road Safety Coordinator
Taupo District Council
Ph 07 376 0899