POLICE have issued their annual warning to the public about driving while drunk during the Christmas season.

"Over the Christmas period the Bermuda Police Service will have vigilant patrols out," Inspector Mark Botelho told a press conference yesterday.

"We encourage people not to drink and drive and to obey the rules of the road."

Road Safety Officer Roxanne Christopher echoed his sentiment.

"We are urging persons to be responsible this Christmas," said Ms Christopher. "We are not telling them not to consume, but to please be responsible.

"We do not want any more road fatalities for the year. As of today, we are already at 11."

Anthony Santucci, chairman of the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, made a similar appeal.

"More than half of the drivers who died on Bermuda's roads last year were found to be driving over the legal limit of alcohol or under the influence of drugs. Seventy-six per cent of those tested for drunk driving after being involved in an accident failed the test. Don't put yourself at risk, if you're going to be out drinking catch a cab home, take the bus, use one of CADA's free taxis or minibuses or decide that someone in your party won't drink that night and will drive everyone home.

"Whatever you do, don't drink and drive."

Mr. Santucci also reminded the public that CADA's 'Let us Drive' campaign will continue throughout the holiday season. Hoping to curb the rate of drunk driving, CADA is offering free late-night taxis and minibuses for the next four months. In addition to the regular Friday night service, 'Let us Drive' will be operating tomorrow as well as New Year's Eve. The service is available between 3.15 a.m. and 3.45 a.m. on Front Street outside Café Cairo.

The officials also expressed concerned at the level of underage drinking in the island's bars, especially during a holiday which sees many Bermudian students returning home from abroad.

Said Ms Christopher:"This is so important to us. There have been so many incidents of 15 or 16 year olds involved in collisions because they are intoxicated.

"We've gotten completely out of hand and we have to hold these establishments responsible."

Ms Christopher also reminded owners of the island's bars and nightclubs that serving underage patrons is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and urged them to be more thorough in checking identification.

Insp. Botelho also warned that uniformed officers will be visiting licensed establishments to conduct random ID checks over the holiday.