Motorists should not drink if they will be using their car and friends should watch out for each other, the health authorities are warning in this year’s Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign.

Going by the slogan #checkmate, the campaign will emphasise the fact that people have different tolerance levels for alcohol and the best approach would be not to drink and drive.

Charmaine Gauci, director of the Health Promotion Directorate, said alcohol can seriously affect a driver’s reaction time, vision and concentration. It also affects the ability to take rational decisions.

With the festive season getting underway and people enjoying a drink or two, she appealed for the use of alternative transport such as buses, taxis and minibuses.

The message is zero tolerance

Party goers can also designate a driver from the group who would not drink on the night to ensure everyone is taken back home alive and well.

“The message is zero tolerance. Not everyone is affected in the same way by alcohol. Many think that they can take it without being aware of the effects and consequences of their drinking,” Dr Gauci said.

She urged people to enjoy themselves responsibly over the Christmas period.

The campaign is a joint effort between the health authorities, the police and other entities.

The campaign video calls on people to keep an eye out for their mates, which inspired the slogan #checkmate. It shows a group of friends playing chess with one downing a tray of shooters. A female companion snatches the car keys from his hands as he tries to leave for home.

Superintendent Mario Tonna said the police would be out in force on the streets and would start early. He warned that the lowest fine for drink driving is €1,200 – among the highest in Europe.