The authorities are warning motorists about the dangers of drinking and driving, labelling this year’s campaign ‘Life is not a game’.

The campaign, which will include spots and notices on various media outlets, encourages drivers to not only ensure their own safety but also that of passengers, family and friends. Launched by Health Promotion and Disease Prevention director Paula Vassallo, it urges people to nominate a designated driver, who would refrain from consuming alcohol, or use a cab and taxi service if they drank during Christmas parties.

Dr Vassallo said alcohol affected driving ability and increased risks of accidents, even when consumed in small amounts.

Alcohol has been found to have an adverse effect on vision and reaction time. It can also lead to impaired judgement, increasing the chances of high-risk road use behaviour, such as speeding or not using seatbelts.

The Malta Insurance Association, which is supporting the campaign, said it was happy to note increased awareness about the huge risks involved when driving under the influence of alcohol.

An active participant of the Malta Road Safety Council, the association insisted that the “successful” enforcement of traffic regulations last year should be replicated.

“The recent extension of the demerit point system to all drivers is certainly considered as an important development that will help make all drivers more aware of their important responsibilities,” it said.

It said it would continue to support the authorities in increasing efforts to make roads safer as it had done when it donated roadside breathalyser kits to the police.

The association bringing together insurance companies called on the government to ensure that enforcement officers were well trained, adequately resourced and equipped.

Reducing the number of injuries and fatalities and cutting the overall cost of the inconvenience caused by accidents should remain a primary objective for the country, it insisted.