Keep seasonal excess off the roads says IAM

THE IAM welcomes this years Government Christmas campaign. The police launch high-profile drink-drive campaigns at this time of year when unwary drivers enjoying seasonal pleasures can be tempted to drive after a few drinks.

IAM Director of Policy and Research, Neil Greig, said:- "The vast majority of drivers believe drinking and driving is socially unacceptable and potentially lethal. But in the run-up to Christmas, daily routines change, sometimes unexpectedly. Extra social occasions with friends, family and colleagues can place those who would not normally drink and drive in tricky situations, such as what to do after the office Christmas party. But it is crucial to decide firmly at the outset either not to drink or to leave the car where it is - even if that is the train station car park.

The wrong decision will bring instant justice, as the police can haul you into court the next day for a fine and a year's driving ban and, if you cause a fatal or serious accident, a prison sentence of up to 14 years can apply. Then there are the less formal penalties, such as the inconvenience of being car-less, the possibility of losing your job and the social stigma of a criminal record. When you eventually get back behind the wheel, you will face years of sky-high insurance costs."

Remember:-

· Even one drink can reduce your determination not to drive

· At parties, drinks measures will be more generous than those served in pubs

· You face being breathalysed if you are involved in a road accident - even if it is not your fault

· Drinking heavily the night before can put you over the legal limit the morning after

· As you make your way home without the car, remember that a high proportion of road accidents involve pedestrians who have been drinking. Don't attempt to walk home drunk along rural roads or attempt to cross busy roads you only know as a driver

· If you are driving, don't drink; and always refuse a lift from someone you know has been drinking.

Fog closed river to shipping

THE river Mersey was closed to shipping by Liverpool Port Authorities after heavy fog rolled in on Saturday, 29 November 2008. This was done in the interests of safety, so to avoid any accidents like the one that that happened in February 2007 involving the Sea Express One vessel and the Alaska Rainbow. {Related report}

It was anticipated that the fog would clear on the Mersey during the course of the Saturday, morning and it was hoped that that would enable the Ben-my-Chree to complete the sailing to Birkenhead. Sadly by 11am it was confirmed that the river would not open to shipping for some considerable time.

The Steam Packet company reacted by transferring foot passengers via coach from Heysham to both Liverpool and Birkenhead.

Mark Woodward, Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said that:- "It is frustrating for everyone when weather conditions turn out to be worse than expected. However, passenger safety has to be our main priority and with deteriorating visibility led to the closure of the Mersey. We took the option to transfer to Heysham ,which was experiencing changeable but less severe fog."

The river was opened the following day as the fog dissipated.

Know You Limits - top tips for a Christmas to remember

THE Drinkaware Trust (Drinkaware), a UK charity which aims to reduce alcohol harm, has compiled some top tips for partygoers to help them have a 'merry and memorable' Christmas.

Alcohol consumption in Britain increased by 40% in December 2004, more than any other country in the world. Most of us have probably experienced some of the short-term effects of 'over-doing it' at this time of year, including nausea, dehydration and temporary memory loss.

Interestingly, a survey conducted by the Sefton Citizen Community Panel found that in Sefton some of the people surveyed knew their limits, with 37% of respondents believing that the recommended limit for males is 3 units and 51% thought it was 2 for women. Sadly, 18% interviewed did not know their limits for either. In fact it is recommended that men drink no more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day and women 2 to 3 units. The questionnaire also asked people in Sefton how many units were in a specific measure or glass size. More than half of those who completed the questionnaire estimated that there are two units in an alcoholic drink served in a 250ml wineglass. Only 30% correctly answered that there were 3 units in a pint of strong lager. A high proportion of residents on the other hand knew that there is 1 unit of alcohol in a single measure of spirits. What was the most interesting result of the survey was that a third of residents questioned drank one to three times a week. Women where found to be twice as likely never to drink than male respondents. The findings also revealed that more males in Sefton drink 4 to 6 times a week or everyday than female respondents.

To make this Christmas one to remember, Drinkaware's suggests the following tips:-

* Avoid drinking on an empty stomach - food slows down the absorption of alcohol

* Pace yourself, there's no rush - drink slowly

* Include soft drinks in your celebration

* Don't leave yourself vulnerable - plan your journey home

The morning after:-

* Drink plenty of water to rehydrate

* Avoid 'hair of the dog', it doesn't work!

* Over-done it? Have two alcohol-free days

Up to a million business-card size Christmas 'tip cards' have been distributed to over 2000 pubs across the UK, containing tips, unit guidelines, and links to a 24 hour helpline and drinkaware.co.uk. A further 10,000 tip cards will be given to taxi passengers in London, with 300 black cabs' supersides and tip seats displaying advice to partygoers.

Drinkaware's new CEO, Chris Sorek, said:- "It's all too easy to drink too much during the festive season. By distributing tip cards in pubs and licensed taxis, we hope to offer practical guidance to consumers who want to enjoy Christmas without experiencing the negative effects of over-doing it."

To find out more about how to survive the Christmas party season, visit drinkaware.co.uk  which includes a unit calculator, drinks diary, health fact sheets, lifestyle features, short films and more. Also you can visit www.alchoholconcern.org.uk.

* Source = guardian.co.uk, December 2004

The Drinkaware Trust:- The Trust is an independent UK charity that aims to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise alcohol-related harm by providing people with practical advice and information. It fulfils a challenge set by Government in the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for an industry-supported fund to provide education, information and campaigning activity for consumers.