Coca-Cola HBC have announced the return of its Designated Driver initiative, the annual Christmas campaign that rewards those who stay sober on nights out to ensure their friends and family members get home safely.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton, TD, launched the road-safety campaign alongside ambassador James Kavanagh, the Road Safety Authority and industry stakeholders.
Those who have chosen to be the designated driver can avail of two free soft drinks or water from the Coca-Cola HBC range throughout December, at participating venues in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The brand will also reward Designated Drivers by providing free parking spots at Q-Parks in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast every weekend during the Month.
Drivers simply need to present themselves as the Coca-Cola Designated Driver to car park security by pressing the intercom button on pay machines to benefit from parking free-of-charge when on a night out.
Presenter James Kavanagh was joined by (from left) CEO of Road Safety Authority Sam Waide, Superintendent - Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Sean O’Reardon, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton, T.D., General Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Miles Karemacher, Chief Superintendent - Garda National Roads Policing Bureau Michael Hennebry, at the Schoolhouse Hotel Dublin 4, to launch the annual Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign. Speaking about the initiative, Minister Naughton, T.D., said:
“I’m pleased to announce the return of Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver initiative, an important campaign that helps to keep our roads safe and alcohol-free. It serves to remind the nation that it is important to take precautions getting to and from festivities, whether by appointing a designated driver or making other arrangements. I would like to thank Coca-Cola, the Road Safety Authority, Drinkaware and all industry bodies for their contribution; celebrating and rewarding those Designated Drivers who play a selfless role in keeping roads safe at Christmas time and around the year.”
Speaking about his involvement, Presenter and Writer James Kavanagh said:
“I’m thrilled to be on board to help spread the word about the Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign. Anyone who knows me knows I live for Christmas nights out but don’t always feel like drinking. December is such a busy time of year and it’s stunning that Coca-Cola are rewarding those who choose to be the Designated Driver with free soft drinks and parking, making a night out that much better!”
Sam Waide, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said:
“The Road Safety Authority is once again very happy to give its backing to the Coca-Cola Designated Driver campaign. I’m delighted to see that this year’s campaign has been extended to not only offer free soft drink and water to drivers but also free parking for Designated Drivers in Q-Parks in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast. This is such an important road safety initiative. Drink driving is still a problem on our roads and our most recent attitudinal survey conducted last December shows that 1 in 10 people admitted to drink driving in the previous 12 months. The RSA’s message has always been Never, Ever, Drink and Drive, because scientifically we know that any amount of alcohol impairs driving.”
Participating venues will be featured on www.coke.ie/xmas.
