A stern warning that driving when drunk turns a vehicle into a weapon came form Road Safety officer Roxanne Christopher yesterday.

"When you drink and drive, you are using that vehicle as a weapon. That is what you are ultimately doing," she said at a press conference to remind the public on the dangers of drunk driving.

"There will be increased Police patrols on the roads over the entire holiday season and drivers should be aware that if they drink and drive, they risk being detected and arrested," she continued.

"As we all know, drinking and driving is a serious problem that affects every segment of our society," she said, before urging clubs and businesses to promote safe-driving and anti-drinking initiatives during the holiday season.

"One idea is to have a reward or a compensation plan for the designated driver," she suggested.

"The Road Safety Council endorses the practice of serving a variety of non-alcoholic drinks at holiday parties. However, the Council is also strongly encouraging all those giving holiday parties where alcohol will be served, to ensure that designated drivers are appointed to provide a safe drive home for persons who chose to drink alcohol. The Ministry of Transport, she continued, will continue encouraging community support for combating drinking and driving in Bermuda, including changing outdated legislation and educating the community.

"Remember, accidents are avoidable," Ms Christopher finished. "We all have choices. Choose life!"

Police Sgt. Philip Lewis, with the Traffic Accident Investigation Unit, warned in the conference that the Christmas season, along with the summer, are the times when accidents are most frequent, probably due to the increased number of social functions.

"The legal alcohol limit is 80mg (of alcohol) in 100ml of blood," he warned, before advising the public to use buses, taxis, or designated drivers; limit their drinking; and, for cyclists to wear helmets.

Sgt. Lewis explained there has been a noticeable increase in injuries where victims were not wearing helmets properly.

Kimberley Jackson, of the National Drug Commission, said that research has shown that even one drink can have an effect on a person's driving ability. "Those serving (alcohol), you have a responsibility to see they don't drive. Plan a course of action now and have non-alcoholic beverages available."

Ms Christopher noted from statistics available that this is not only a problem affecting, for example, Bermuda's youth, but everyone. "We are not saying not to consume, but to be a wise consumer," she said, also urging parents to talk to their children.

"It's a bad judgement call to think I've driven home (after drinking) 10,000 times before, and on the 10,001 time I won't hurt anyone," she concluded.