Alcohol awareness – let’s talk

Bury Council and partners have been raising awareness of alcohol abuse and the dangers of drink driving.

Road safety officers took the message to The Rock during national Alcohol Awareness Week, which this year carried the theme of ‘Let’s talk about drinking’.

They used replica drinks, drink measures and ‘beer goggles’ to illustrate how alcohol can affect drivers, and handed out free samples of hot, non-alcoholic cocktails to promote safer alternatives.

The team was joined by health professionals from the drug and alcohol team as well as Early Break (the young people’s drink and drug charity) to highlight the dangers of binge drinking, alcohol dependency and the health implications of long term alcohol use. Street pastors also spoke to the public about the work they do to keep late-night revellers safe in the town centre.

Jan Brabin, senior road safety officer for Bury Council, said: “We urge all motorists to know the dangers of drink driving. There is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and still drive safely, and you could still be over the limit the morning after.

“If you are out drinking alcohol, you should make arrangements to get home safely, whether that is using a designated driver, a taxi or public transport.”

She added: “Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving faces losing their driving licence, increased insurance premiums, and maybe losing their job. They could also be fined up to £5,000 or even sent to prison for up to six months.

“The human consequences are even worse. In 2012, there were 6,680 drink drive related incidents, which resulted in 290 deaths. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.”

Officers are also advising drivers to be aware that even legal drugs can make them unfit to drive.

Pauline Seville from Bury Council Drug and Alcohol Team said: “Events like this promote the safe use of alcohol while making people aware of the negative impact that alcohol misuse can have.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 November 2013.