Police drink drive operations will be working this week with the Booze bus out day and night.
"Driving while under the influence of alcohol is just plain stupid and dangerous," says Inspector Derek Erasmus. "There's enough publicity every year warning that if you're out to celebrate or at an office function, make sure you leave the car at home and arrange alternative transport."
During the week before Christmas the Red Bus’ `Midnight Express' -, is a safe way to get home. It leaves from the Strip or Manchester St. It runs from midnight until 4am on the hour and usually costs $5. With sponsorship from ACC, Lion Nathan and Chch City Council, this will be running Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week with payment reduced to a gold coin fare.. ACC In jury Prevention Consultant Keith Permain says there is no excuse for risking injury, we are helping by providing an alternate transport option.
Police and ACC advise that if you are planning to have good night- or day out, plan how to get home before you go out. Arrange alternative transport, catch the bus or a cab, or designate a sober driver.
If your family or flatmate phone you in the middle of the night and ask for a lift home, be a friend if you're sober! It's not the time to argue; any recriminations can be sorted out when they are safely home.
Those planning office functions are reminded to provide alternative transport where possible. Food should be of good quality and not the type to make people thirsty and non alcoholic drinks should be readily available.
Inspector Erasmus says the public should expect drink/ driver operations in the city at anytime this week when all drivers will be checked.
"We will check all drivers entering or leaving an area," he says. "Commercial drivers will not be exempt. It's all too easy to stop off and have a beer with the boys while on a delivery run and find yourself over the limit."