With the festive season in full swing, the Department for Transport’s THINK! Christmas campaign is sounding the alarm on the dangers of drink driving, particularly among young men.
Locally, around two-thirds of casualties in drink-drive collisions are males aged 17 to 30. Nationally, 16 to 24-year-olds account for 24% of these casualties, with a staggering 68% being male.
The THINK! campaign, supported by the Isle of Wight Council, aims to highlight the severe consequences of drink driving.
The campaign challenges the perception of personal limits and raises awareness that even a small amount of alcohol can jeopardise your safety and your licence.
For young men, this means understanding the risks — from losing their licence and the subsequent impact on personal freedom and social life, to the potential of injuring friends.
DfT THINK research indicates that:
- 50% of young male drivers intend to be sensible but often get carried away while socialising, putting themselves at risk even with a small amount of alcohol.
- Young drivers are more concerned about the inconvenience to their daily lives and loss of freedom than the immediate dangers.
- The concept of ‘laddering’—where one event leads to another—resonates deeply with young men, showing the cascading effects of drink driving.
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, says:
“The ripple effect of drink driving is profound for individuals, families and your community.
Article continues below this advertisement “One poor decision can lead to a lifetime of regret. It’s important for all motorists, and young men in particular, to consider the real consequences of drink driving.
“If convicted of driving over the legal alcohol limit, you will lose your licence, which is far more than a minor inconvenience — it impacts your social life, job, and the freedom you’ve worked hard for.
“In the worst scenarios, drink driving can mean a loss of life. Let’s ensure our celebrations don’t end in tragedy.”
Drink driving is illegal and endangers lives by impairing your ability to drive, even after just 1 drink. Alcohol affects everyone differently, making it impossible to know your limits. Factors such as size, age, gender, diet, and stress levels all play a role.
Drinking even a little alcohol impairs your driving and reaction times, potentially turning a close call into a life-altering mistake. The consequences extend beyond the driver, affecting family and friends. The risk of injury or worse is not worth a couple of pints.
If you’re visiting family and friends or attending an event, plan a safe route home. Use public transport, book a taxi, or designate a sober driver. Your designated driver can still enjoy the festivities with soft drinks, mocktails, or zero alcohol beverages.
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community safety, adds:
“We must all take responsibility for our actions. Drink driving not only puts your life and freedom at risk but also endangers the lives of others. This festive season, let’s make the right choice and keep our roads safe.”
Visit the Isle of Wight Council’s Christmas drink drive campaign webpage for more information.
It is all very well having campaigns, but does
everyone see them.
On the island drink driving seems to be common practice.
Authorities need to go into Companies and breathalyse
drivers of Company vehicles.
Think of all the drivers who drink heavily the night before
and then start work early next morning over the limit.
Also stricter punishment needs to be dished out to
Drink drivers.
If they were banged up before Christmas, they would think
twice again!
Bang them up, if caught.
I agree it is essential to do something about drink/driving. One thing that would help is late evening public transport.
Are you feeling lucky, punk?
Xmas day in the nick will get you a nice stale sandwich :). Not to worry, you will have had a blast on Xmas Eve to make up for it 🙂