Anti-drink driving organisation CADA yesterday launched its Christmas alcohol awareness campaign designed to stop people from drinking and driving.

Chairman Anthony Santucci said: "Over the past two weeks, motorists and pedestrians will have noticed signs and banners in various locations across the Island. Additionally, we have started to air ads on local radio and television stations.

"Christmas is the time of year when there are lots of parties and people are getting together with family and friends. Large amounts of alcohol are consumed during the Christmas and New Year's period.

"This year's campaign is to remind people, before they start drinking, to put a plan in place to ensure they don't drink and drive."

Mr. Santucci added: "CADA's message is simple — always use a bus, cab or a designated driver. That's it."

He gave the following suggestions:

• If you are going home before midnight, use public transportation

• Add the number of a taxi company into your phone

• Use CADA's free late night cab service 'Let Us Drive' which leaves from outside the LOM Building, on Reid Street, between 3.15 a.m. and 3.45 a.m. every Friday night

• Assign a designated driver before you go out

Meanwhile, Road Safety Council Chairman Chris Johnson urged the public to drive responsibly over the holiday season.

"The Bermuda Road Safety Council would like to wish the community of Bermuda a safe and joyous holiday season. Unfortunately, all too often our holidays are visited by the tragic loss of life on the roads of Bermuda. Sadly, this loss of life and the numerous injuries are preventable.

"We urge the community of Bermuda to drive smart this holiday season. Happy New Year."