Drink-drive bar launches Christmas campaign (From Warrington Guardian)

Drink-drive bar launches Christmas campaign

A DRINK drive 'bar' in the Market Centre opened in Crewe to kick off this year's campaign to make roads safe this Christmas.

Cheshire Highway Authority will be giving away free non-alcoholic drinks in a bid to promote Des, the 'designated driver' theme among revellers.

In a unique attempt to persuade drivers to try non-alcoholic drinks, a mock bar will be set up in the busy Market Centre by Cheshire County Council's road safety unit.

While offering the free beverages, staff acting as barmen will take the opportunity to talk to drivers about alcohol level limits and offer other general safety advice.

The mock bar is making its way round the county in the countdown to Christmas.

Cheshire County Council's environment Cllr Andrew Needham said: "Safety on Cheshire's roads is vital in saving lives.

"An average of 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured in the UK as a result of drink driving each year."

Cheshire Fire Authority is also adopting a more active role in road safety, with the new Fire Service Act 2004, which recognises for the first time its role in attending road traffic collisions and aiding casualties.

It follows the publication of latest statistics that shows in a 12-month period fire fighters rescue nearly three times the number of casualties from car accidents than fires.