Drink Driving

The Isle of Wight Council designed its own Drink Drive message for local people based upon local people. An Isle of Wight father of two Andy O’Neill of Godshill spearheaded the Council’s hard hitting campaign.

The campaign which was launched in December 2007 features images of Andy in his wheelchair, with the message: “I had a few beers and ended up paralytic. It’s your future, don’t drink and drive”.

It was Christmas Day, 2004 that Andy made this life-changing decision to drink and drive. He hadn’t planned to drink and drive but a personal crisis developed and – his ability to make rational judgement impaired following a night out with mates celebrating Christmas Eve – he decided to make the journey of his Suzuki GSX 600.

While travelling too fast on Beaper Shute, near Ryde, Andy lost control and his machine crashed head on with a car. The impact was horrendous and Andy, then 24 was thrown from his bike and smashed through the windscreen of the car. His neck snapped instantly and he was tossed over the bonnet and his back was also broken.

Rather than wallow in self pity, Andy has sought to create something positive from his experience by endorsing the Council’s campaign to highlight the dangers of drink driving.

Isle of Wight Council thanks Andy for his bravery in helping to deliver this drink drive message to a young audience that has not always been easy to reach.

Click here to view a larger version of the campaign poster.

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DRINK DRIVING

National Drink Drive Campaigns