Designated drivers will be offered complimentary alcohol-free drinks on Friday nights this month in a bid to combat drink driving.

The Bermuda Road Safety Council said it would offer free “zero proof cocktails” to customers at the Pickled Onion on Front Street between 6pm to 9pm.

Dennis Lister, the chairman of the BRSC, said: “With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, holiday parties will be taking place all over the island, which is why the BRSC’s slogan for December is – Designated Driver/Designate your Driver.

“A designated driver is crucial for everyone to have a safe holiday now more than any other time of the year.

“Designated drivers are an integral part of keeping roads safe, and by educating friends and family we can work together to lower the number of accidents and even deaths.”

Mr Lister added: “An alarming trend among many young people is choosing the ‘least drunk’ of the group to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking instead of a completely sober driver.

“That is why it is very important to designate a driver before any drinking takes place.“

To be eligible for the free drinks, people must be aged 18 or older and sign a designated driver pledge sheet.

The Bermuda Police Service earlier highlighted an increase in roads incidents over the festive season.

Mr Lister said it was important to pick responsible people as designated drivers and suggested groups should take it in turns to be the designated driver.

He suggested that the designated driver should collect all their friend’s vehicle keys before drinking started.

Mr Lister said: “This will avoid confrontation under uncomfortable circumstances and ensure they are the only person equipped to drive.”

Mr Lister highlighted Cada’s Tips programme, which trains bar staff in responsible service and how to deter people from drinking and driving.

He added: “The BRSC would like to remind all the motoring public to drive with care, caution and courtesy, slow down and Don’t Drink and Drive.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and we all must do our part in keeping our roads safe.

“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

People unable to get a designated driver should travel by taxi or minibus or use HomeSafe Bermuda – a service where a driver transports people home in their own cars – or arrange a lift from a friend or family.

Cada, an anti-alcohol abuse charity, also offers free transport home at weekends as part of its Let Us Drive initiative.

The service will be available from December 9 to 11, December 6 to 18 and December 30 and 31.

Pick up time is from 12.15am to 12.45am outside the LOM Building on Hamilton’s Reid Street.

For more information visit http://www.cada.bm/.