Free soft drinks for Dorset drivers during Christmas party season
It's part of a police campaign to help reduce drink driving
Dorset Police has arranged for designated drivers to get free soft drinks in 70 venues across the county this Christmas.
They're running their 'Lift Legends' scheme for a second year, with the aim of reducing drink driving during the festive part season.
Last winter, Dorset Police arrested 319 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Lift Legend will run from today (Friday 1st December) until Monday 1st January 2024, with drivers buying a soft drink in one of the participating venues will receive a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.
Education Operations Manager at Dorset Police, Laressa Robinson, said:
“If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system increases the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or other road users.
“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15% of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.
“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Dorset Police. Officers will be out in force throughout December, rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.
“This vital work is complimented by the Lift Legend initiative, which encourages those heading out to a Christmas party or festive night out to plan their journey home and nominate a Lift Legend.”
There's a list of the 70 venues signed up to take part on the Dorset Police website. |newtab)
Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said:
“I am pleased to see the return of the ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for 2023. It is crucial we continue to hammer home the message about the dangers of drink driving and the damaging impact it can have not just on individuals, but also the wider community.
“This innovative campaign provides people with a practical solution by having a ‘Lift Legend’ designated driver and I would like to thank the businesses across Dorset who are supporting our efforts to help people get home safely this festive season.”
Throughout December, the roads policing unit will be conducting extra efforts to tackle drink and drug driving across Dorset, including static check points, mobile patrols and intelligence-led policing.
If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, you're asked to dial 999 immediately.