For the 15th year in a row, Coca-Cola HBC’s has recently launched its Designated Driver campaign across 78 participating venues in Northern Ireland.
The soft drinks bottler noted that campaign was created to encourage drivers to grab two soft drinks from the Coca-Cola range for free, by simply make themselves known to bar staff over the festive period, to reward those drivers who get loved ones home safely after a night out.
Drinks from the range include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, Sprite, Deep RiverRock and Fruice.
Speaking on behalf of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, Davide Franzetti, general manager, said, “This is my first time seeing the initiative in action and I am looking forward to playing my part and being a Coca-Cola Designated Driver over the Christmas period.
"I want to thank our partners, the PSNI, Road to Zero at Department of Infrastructure, NI Hotel’s Federation, Hospitality Ulster, and our ambassador India for getting this important message to people across the island.”
Raising Awareness
To help get the message out, Coca-Cola HBC noted that it has enlisted social media star and disability activist, India Sasha to raise awareness across Northern Ireland.
Commenting about the campaign, Sasha, said, "As a recently qualified driver, I’m looking forward to being a designated driver for my friends and family over the festive season.
"There is nothing better than Christmas celebrations and it’s great knowing all your loved ones are home safe.”
Pleased To Support
Designated Driver is supported by the PSNI, Northern Irelands’ Department of Infrastructure (Road to Zero), NI Hotel Federation and Hospitality Ulster in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch of Designated Driver in Belfast, Graham Dodds, head of roads policing, said that the Police service is pleased to support the launch of this year’s Designated Driver campaign.
"To date this year, 57 people have tragically lost their lives on roads across Northern Ireland, eleven more than this time last year.
“We all want to celebrate this Christmas season with our loved ones, but I urge everyone to ensure they plan ahead to get home safely this Christmas. The Designated Driver campaign rewards safe drivers and I encourage those going out this Christmas to get involved.
“This Christmas police will continue to use all the powers and legislation at our disposal, including the authorised checkpoints, to detect people who insist on driving after having taken drugs or alcohol.
"All motorists need to consider the consequences of their actions.
"Never take the risk of having even one drink if you are driving.
"The consequences can be catastrophic.
“Our road safety message is very simple, follow the Fatal Five, five simple rules which road users should follow in order to ensure they stay safe, these are - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone whilst driving.”
Coca-Cola Designated Driver is set to be launched in the Republic of Ireland for the 19th year, in the forthcoming weeks.
Read More: Carl Mullan Gears Up For Coca-Cola’s 2022 Designated Driver Campaign
