What can be worse than hearing a phone ring in the middle of the night with tragic news that a loved one has been in a car accident? What is more heart stopping than answering the doorbell only to find a sombre-faced policeman who has come to deliver bad news? Please don’t drink and drive, especially during the Christmas period when there are so many people on the roads, and PLEASE heed this very important message from the Sense Group:

“Choose a LEADER to drive you home safely”. This designated driver message is being promoted by The Sense Group (TSG) for the coming festive season with the aim of reminding adults not to drive if they are going to drink.  This message urges friends and relatives to take it in turns for one of them not to drink alcohol and drive the rest of the group safely back home.

Founded in 1997, TSG has always pursued the specific objective of promoting a responsible and moderate drinking message among the adult Maltese population, all year round.

The designated driver message goes beyond the negative saying “don’t drink and drive”.  It offers a positive step that people can take.  It is addressed to a social group whilst promoting interpersonal communication within that group. It encourages people to plan ahead if they intend to drink.

It has to be made clear, however, that the designated driver is an equally popular and valued member of the social group. The designated driver on one day can look forward to the next when that person will be able to enjoy a drink knowing that it is only fair to miss the fun on just one day but then be able to enjoy the rest of the festive season when other members of his group do the driving.

Every December for the past 14 years, TSG has launched messages and innovative campaigns, specifically targeting party goers to help them have a really enjoyable and memorable Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

The effectiveness of the TSG campaigns is borne out by the fact that from year to year, an increasing number of adult drivers have preferred not to drive but hire a minibus or a taxi to ferry them after an event.  The majority of adults are fully aware of the devastating consequences that can result when a person drives under the influence of alcohol.

Besides, it is easier to hire a minibus or a taxi rather than driving one’s own car, trying to find parking, refrain from taking a drink during this period, and then driving back home again in the congested traffic.

Over the years, TSG has conducted several campaigns against drinking and driving, underage drinking, and binge drinking. All these activities have been conducted with the support of the Maltese beverage industry.