Hard-hitting posters will form the centrepiece of an Isle of Man Government campaign encouraging people to act responsibly while celebrating the festive season.

The Isle of Man Constabulary, Department of Health and Social Care’s Public Health Directorate and bus vannin are working in partnership to promote the ‘Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Go Safe’ message.

Posters featuring the slogan ‘How will your night end?’ will be distributed throughout the Island to highlight the harmful effects of excessive drinking. A promotions vehicle will also visit different locations to reinforce the possible consequences of irresponsible behaviour, including losing your driving licence, liberty and employment.

The festive period represents one of the busiest times of the year for frontline staff within the emergency services and at Noble’s Hospital.

Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle MHK said: ‘We want people to have an enjoyable and healthy end to 2015. Most of us will be out celebrating this festive season, but it’s important not to overdo things and end up in trouble as a result. Drinking too much can affect people’s judgement and increase risk-taking behaviour while reducing their fear of the consequences.’

The Minister also pointed out the potential impact of binge drinking on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing, commenting: ‘We don’t want people to wake up in a hospital bed or a police cell the morning after a festive night out. Staying in control of your decisions and wellbeing over the festive period will make for a happier and healthier New Year.’

Members of the Constabulary’s Road Safety Team are pleased to welcome bus vannin as part of this year’s festive campaign. People are being advised to organise their journey home before going out and cards will once again be distributed containing the times of late-night bus services, as well as telephone numbers for taxi operators.

Police neighbourhood patrols will focus on issues that can show a seasonal increase if not addressed, such as domestic abuse, public disorder and drink-driving. This approach has had a positive impact on the level of anti-social behaviour in previous years.

Superintendent Kevin Willson said: ‘Police officers work round the clock every day of the year to ensure our local communities are safe places to live, work and enjoy a night out. The festive season is a time of celebration and people will be out socialising in large numbers. Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Go Safe is a reminder to look after yourself, keep your belongings safe and walk away from any potential trouble.’

He added: ‘There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving. If you are in any doubt about your fitness to drive, in particular during the morning after a night out, use public transport or a taxi. Do not get behind the wheel. It is well documented that the police and courts adopt a zero-tolerance approach to offences of this nature.’

The Drink Safe, Drive Safe, Go Safe posters and information card are available to download from the Government website www.gov.im/festivehealth. 

The campaign will also be supported by helpful advice and guidance promoted via the Constabulary and Public Health social media channels. Follow @iompolice and @publichealthiom on Twitter and the Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/Isle-of-Man-Constabulary-Media-Page-202507643116915/ and https://www.facebook.com/publichealthiom