TAC Designated Driver Vouchers drive Victorians towards a safe Christmas

23 Dec 2013

Regional Victorians are being encouraged to help their loved ones get home safely this festive season by gifting them a Designated Driver Voucher.

The Transport Accident Commission has developed the vouchers as an innovative way to promote safe driving over the holiday period.

TAC Chief Executive Janet Dore said that offering to be the chauffeur for the night could be the best present someone could give.

"It is that time of year when people want to get out and celebrate and we know that alcohol often factors into people's festivities," Ms Dore said.

She urged Victorians to gift a voucher to a friend or family member and make a pledge to drive them home safely from a Christmas function, barbecue or party.

"For regional Victorians, getting home after a night out requires planning even during quiet times, but this is especially true around the Christmas and New Year period," Ms Dore said.

"Everyone wants to see their loved ones get home safely. What better way is there than offering to be their chauffeur for a night?"

Ms Dore said alcohol was a factor in 25 per cent of road fatalities.

"This Christmas there will be many Victorians who will have little to celebrate because they have lost a loved one to drink driving," she said.

"Over the next few weeks, the roads will be at their busiest and we need all Victorians to make sure that every trip is a safe one. If you have been drinking, please plan ahead with a designated driver or other safe transport option."

Designated Driver Vouchers are available at www.tac.vic.gov.au or people can share them with friends from the TAC's Facebook page.

For more information contact Emily Bogue on 0429 416 778.

Pictured above: TAC head of community relations Joe Califiore handing Media Manager Emily Bogue a designated driver voucher.