16 December 2008 Lewis Hamilton hightlights safe transport for clubberst

16 December 2008

Lewis Hamilton promotes safe transport for clubbers

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Lewis Hamilton and Mika Häkkinen have taken to the streets in London Cabs to reinforce the Johnnie Walker's campaign to get clubbers home safely. The rival drivers drove black cabs across Tower Bridge, around the Tower of London, over London Bridge to City Hall to distribute anti-drink/drive message and underscore the use of public transport as a safe route home during the holidays.

Joining forces with Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, Hamilton and Häkkinen hailed public transport drivers as ‘the real champions’ – who 'get the public home safely.'

Formula One world champion Hamilton said: “Our message is simple: never drink and drive. If you are out celebrating, use a designated driver, whether that is a taxi, bus, tube or train driver or a friend who doesn’t drink that evening. Ever since I passed my driving test, whenever I go out with my friends I’m always happy to be the designated driver. That way I know everyone gets home safely.”

Häkkinen, Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking Ambassador, added, “Lewis and I want to use our profiles positively and try to change attitudes. It’s great we’ve been able to come to London and highlight the real champions, the people who get us home safely every day of the week.”

Last year, 460 people were killed and approximately 1750 seriously injured in the UK as a result of drinking and driving (Department for Transport). In the EU Drink Driving accounts for approximately 25% of all road deaths (European Transport Safety Council).

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "Too many lives are tragically wasted through drink-driving accidents, so I hope that the message really gets through by having Lewis and Mika, two of the world's most talented and renowned car drivers, leading the call for people to think before getting into a car. There are a wealth of public transport options out there that can get you home 24 hours a day.”

From: Night Online

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