“When I party, if I drink, I don’t drive” is the poignant message behind Monaco’s latest awareness campaign, launched by the government to curb drink driving and road accidents during the holidays. The campaign comes in the wake of two serious car accidents that injured five people last weekend.
In a press conference held on Monday 16th December, the government and Monaco’s police force announced their intensified efforts to combat drink driving and speeding over the festive season. The renewed focus on road safety follows two major incidents last weekend that highlighted the dangers on the Principality’s roads.
See also: “Enough is enough”: Monaco Government unveils tough measures after serious car crashes
By 18th December, the government had enlisted the support of Monaco’s taxi operators to bolster safe transport options during the holiday period. Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, met with representatives of the Association of Independent Taxi Operators of Monaco (AETIM) to discuss ways to increase the availability of taxis at night. The goal is to offer festive revellers convenient, safe alternatives to driving, especially during peak celebration times.
Furthering its collaborative approach, the government has engaged with managers of Monaco’s night establishments to relay the campaign message to patrons: “When I party, if I drink, I don’t drive.” The establishments have pledged to support the initiative by amplifying the awareness campaign, encouraging their clients to choose safe modes of transport after a night out.
These immediate measures will be reinforced by increased police presence during the holidays and strengthened legislation in January. Among the proposed changes are expanded police rights to conduct random breathalyser tests and heftier penalties for offenders, which are currently as low as €37.50.
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“Enough is enough”: Monaco Government unveils tough measures after serious car crashes
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Image taken from the government’s road safety awareness campaign.