Police and the Road Safety Council are appealing to New Year's Eve merrymakers not to mix alcohol and driving tonight for the safety of everyone on the roads.

According to Police statistics there were 40 arrests for impaired driving during the month of December alone last year and 12 of those arrests occurred between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Road Safety Chairman Dr. Joseph Froncioni said yesterday that Bermuda does not yet have statistics linking alcohol with serious road accidents but "the majority of people that come into the emergency room (as a result of) serious accidents smell of alcohol".

"We're certainly asking the public not to drink and drive. It is one of the most common causes of serious crashes," Dr. Froncioni said.

And with nine road deaths in Bermuda already this year Police are appealing for a "common sense" approach to the holiday.

"While we understand that this is a festive season for many, motorists should always ensure that they have alternative means of transportation if they consume alcohol, either through a designated driver or by calling a taxi," said Police spokesman Coleman Easton.

As of Friday, there were 20 arrests for impaired driving this December and Police are hoping that number will not increase.

Dr. Froncioni said Bermuda should be able to statistically link serious road crashes with drinking and driving once Emergency Room staff at the hospital are permitted to test body fluids of those admitted.

The Road Traffic Act 1997 was drafted to empower sampling of blood alcohol levels at the hospital following accidents but it had been held up for many years.

However, Dr. Froncioni said most of the concerns were related to chain of custody and they have been worked out.

He hopes to see the Act implemented early next year.

The Road Safety Council would also like to remind the public to take advantage of the designated driver's programme under which many Island bars and restaurants will provide free non-alcoholic drinks to those driving.