Derry businesses support police drive to end festive drink driving

Beer mats urging people to ‘never ever drink and drive’ are being made available to licensed premises throughout Derry City and Strabane as part of a road safety initiative during the festive season.

Made possible through funding from Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), and Strabane Business Improvement District (BID), 15,000 beer mats have been printed. The specially-designed mats feature the wording ‘never ever drink and drive’, and urge people to adhere to the Fatal Five.

Chief Inspector Cherith Craig said: “Drink driving is one of the Fatal Five - these are the main reasons people are dying on our roads. We know, worryingly, people are still taking the risk of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, which is really disturbing.

“The aim of this simple, practical initiative is to raise awareness of the risks of drink-driving and stop people from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

“We hope when people are out socialising, whether they’re at a bar or sitting having a meal at a restaurant, they take a moment to look at the beer mats and consider the consequences of drink-driving. They’re more than just something to set your drink on – they’re a reminder to make the right choice in how to get home and to never drink and drive.

“We want people to pause for a moment when they look at these mats to think about a loved one, and then imagine never seeing that person again.

“The only safe option is to never drink and drive. If you do, you are putting lives at risk and the ultimate sentence could be having to live with causing a death.”

Keith Kerrigan, Chair of Derry and Strabane PCSP, said: “PCSP is proud to support this important initiative during what is traditionally a busy time for socialising and celebrations. Our role is to work in partnership to make our communities safer, and these beer mats are a simple but effective way to keep road safety at the forefront of people's minds. We're urging everyone to plan ahead – whether that's arranging a designated driver, booking a taxi, or using public transport. A few moments of planning can save lives."

Back row: Keith Kerrigan; Chair of Derry and Strabane PCSP;  Kieran Kennedy; Chair of Strabane BID; and John McGowan, proprietor of The Farmers Home and Dicey Reilly’s. Front Michael Kelly, proprietor of MK’s Bar and Vice-Chair of Strabane BID and Constable Lorraine Bull, Neighbourhood Officer for Derg Ward pictured at the launch of the beer mat Road Safety Initiative.

Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID said: "The business community in Strabane is fully behind this campaign. We want people to come into town, enjoy our hospitality venues, and have a great time – but we also want everyone to get home safely.

"Local pubs and restaurants play a vital role in promoting responsible behaviour, and we're delighted to work with the PSNI and PCSP to ensure this message reaches people when they're making decisions about their journey home. Our town centre should be a place where people can celebrate safely and responsibly."

The festive beer mat initiative is also supported by The North West Road Safety Partnership, which aims to promote safer road practices, reduce the number of road traffic collisions in the region and provide education and awareness for all road users.

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Sandy Arthur, Chair of the North West Road Safety Partnership added his support to the initiative. He said: "The North West Road Safety Partnership welcomes this proactive approach to tackling drink-driving in our region.

"Every year, particularly during the festive period, we see a tragic spike in road casualties linked to alcohol consumption. This beer mat campaign puts a crucial message directly in front of people at the point when they need to hear it most. We know that one drink-drive collision can devastate multiple families and entire communities.

"By working together across agencies and with the support of local businesses, we can challenge the mind-set that it's acceptable to take even the smallest risk. There is no safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving. The message is clear - never ever drink and drive."