Police have urged the public to avoid drinking and driving this holiday season, warning that officers will be monitoring the roads.

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament said: “This time of year is one for socialising with family, friends and colleagues at various festive events. Sadly, we also typically see increases in road traffic collisions and antisocial behaviour associated with alcohol.

“Police officers will be out monitoring the roads during the holidays and traffic checks can be expected at various locations.

“Officers both in high visibility uniform and plain clothes will be patrolling the City of Hamilton as well as various other locations engaging with shoppers, retailers and motorists to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festivities in a peaceful and safe environment.”

He also urged residents to lock their doors and windows when leaving home, and avoid displaying holiday gifts where they are visible through windows or doors.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that any antisocial behaviour during the holiday period will not be tolerated, with officers using all lawful powers to deter and detect offenders as well as offences,” Supt Field-Lament added.

Inspector Robert Cardwell, responsible for roads policing, said officers will be targeting dangerous drivers, including those who are driving while impaired, speeding or using hand-held devices while behind the wheel.

He said: “2013 to date has seen nine lives tragically lost on the roads, and many collisions that have resulted in serious injuries as well as thousands of dollars in vehicular damage.

“Many road deaths suffered in Bermuda are avoidable. Alcohol consumption beyond the legal limits for driving is far too frequently a contributing factor in these collisions. If you have consumed alcohol, the message is simple: don’t drive.

“If your work colleague, friend or relative has consumed alcohol, they might not be in the best mind to make the right decision. Take steps to deter them from driving or riding.”

Insp Cardwell said that police have seen “somewhat of an increase” in arrests for impaired driving in the last two weeks as Christmas parties have become more common.

He also said pedestrians should be more careful when crossing the street, noting the increased traffic in Hamilton this time of the year.

The officers were joined by CADA executive director Anthony Santucci and Road Safety Council chairman Carlton Crockwell, who both called for the public to be careful on the Island’s roads.

“We’ve lost nine lives already,” Mr Crockwell said. ‘We don’t want to go into this Christmas season losing any more lives. Our message is simple: do not drive if you are going to drink. Slow down on your bikes, slow down on your vehicles, make sure your helmet is fastened safely.”

And Mr Santucci added: “If you are going to go out on the Christmas holiday and/or New Year’s Eve, put a plan in place. Put the number of a cab driver you may know in your phone so if you are out drinking, you have a way home.”

Mr Santucci also said CADA’s Let Us Drive programme will be in action this weekend and next weekend, offering revellers free rides home from outside the LOM Building between 3.15am and 3.45am on Saturdays.