As the festive season begins, various entities have collaborated to launch this year "don't drink and drive" campaign. The message which is to be advertised around the country mainly on public transport relays "life is not a game... if you are drinking, don't drive".

The director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Paula Vassallo, addressed a press conference outlining the importance of not drinking alcohol and driving. “It affects your reaction times and your vision."

She added that other alternatives should be used if one drinks alcohol; suggesting that a designated driver could be established who will not drink; public transport or taxis can be used or people could also book a hotel nearby.  Vassallo also spoke of Malta’s high consumption of alcohol in 12-13 year olds, making it higher than the average in Europe.

The entities involved in the campaign are: the directorate of Promotion of health and disease prevention, Foundation for social Welfare Services, Sedqa, Mater Dei Hospital, Transport Malta, Malta Road Safety, blood transfusion unit, Civil Protection, Malta Police and Motoring touring club.

A Civil Protection representative spoke of the detrimental consequences that lead to drink driving emphasising the affects it can leave on families. Furthermore, the legal consequences were also addressed, reminding drivers that those caught under the influence of alcohol whilst driving were at risk to huge fines of €1,500 or more plus even the removal of 12 points of one’s licence, which means they would lose their licence.

It was explained that this was an example of inter-governmental policies working together to promote change and responsibility backed by initiatives.