Never, Ever Drink and Drive..
That's the message that is being pushed and supported by Rapid Cabs and WLR this Christmas.
Over 200 people have been arrested in Waterford City and County so far this year for drink and drug driving and Gardai are advising motorists that checkpoints will be in place throughout Waterford for the Christmas period.
The newly updated drink driving provisions are now in effect which increase the penalty for drivers from a fine and three penalty points, to three months disqualification from driving plus a €200 fine.
According to the RSA, alcohol plays a role in 39% of road fatalities.
Sergeant James Twomey from the Roads Policing Unit in Waterford advises that people need to be aware they're more likely to be over the limit when driving in the morning, if they have been drinking or taking drugs the night before.
Rapid Cabs CEO Eric O’Brien also urges people that there are other options when it comes to getting home after a night out. “In our industry we see it all. We have invested heavily over the past few years in technology that makes our service better and safer for the customer, but you cannot allow for the human factor. It’s a simple message, never ever drink and drive, and if you are celebrating over Christmas be careful as you might still be over the limit the next morning.”
Eugene Conroy, who has been a driver with Rapid Cabs for over 10 years, says there will be over 80 Rapid Cabs' cars on the road in December
Rapid Cabs Will Have Over 80 Cars On The Roads In December
There will also be over 130 drivers available during the Christmas period.
81,000 people were brought home safely by Rapid Cabs last year and CEO Eric O'Brien predicts that number will be up on 90,000 this year.
Rapid Cabs is a licensed taxi dispatch operator by the National Transport Authority and all of its drivers are fully Garda vetted, insured and licensed. Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs has a computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car driver devices in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.
Its App is available for free on Apple and Android.
Call Rapid Cabs on 051-858585 or see www.rapidcabs.com.
Rapid Cabs, getting you home safe.
