Ian Milne says first hand experience of the tragic aftermath of deaths, particularly of young people, on the roads due to alcohol at this time of the year prompted him to approach the PSNI about setting up a campaign three years ago.

Mr Milne, who owns Ian Milne & Sons Funeral Directors in Portadown, will put up his own money to fund the printing of a leaflet which will be widely distributed by himself and the PSNI throughout the Portadown, Lurgan, Banbridge and Armagh areas.

Under the heading “Who’s Leaving You Home Tonight”, the leaflet carries a stark image of the funeral director and the emergency services who have to visit the scenes of serious road traffic accidents.

Mr Milne said, “I originally came up with the idea to assist the community in helping to reduce the fatalities of young drivers which usually increase at this time of the year.

“Obviously through my job I have experienced the pain first hand and feel strongly that we need to do something to help get the message out there, especially to young drivers.

leaflets

“Thousands of the leaflets will be distributed to bars, restaurants and nightclubs and the PSNI will be handing them out at road vehicle checkpoints.”

PSNI Road Policing education officer, Constable Bill Holden, said, “Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is an issue which affects our whole community.

“The PSNI has been working with Ian Milne over the last number of years on Community Safety initiatives.

“Drink driving is highlighted at Christmas due the increased opportunities and temptations put before drivers, however it remains a major cause of death and injury on our roads 365 days a year.

“The support provided by Ian Milne and Sons is very welcome and plays a key role locally alongside the police campaign to heighten road users’ awareness of drink driving and its consequences.

“The leaflets are distributed to local bars, clubs and restaurants and other key locations where the public will have access to their message.”

Last year, drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs caused 103 fatal and serious road traffic accidents, which resulted in 18 deaths and 121 people seriously injured.

“These are particularly tragic deaths, because they are avoidable. I would encourage all motorists to think about the consequences to yourself and your family if you were involved in a serious collision when under the influence of drink or drugs,” added Mr Holden.

”Words alone cannot describe the sights and sounds of the serious road traffic collisions which police officers and our colleagues in the emergency services attend.

“I do not want officers knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads.”