Firefighters and ambulance paramedics do not want to meet you on the roads over the New Year holiday period, which often see the tragic result of people mixing much Christmas cheer with walking on public roads.

It is not just the consequences of drink-driving that emergency services workers have to contend with, but also drink-walking.

A few drinks to celebrate can sometimes lead to a situation where people may not be as careful as they should be when crossing roads or even walking near busy roads.

It is lovely to celebrate the New Year, but all people, especially youngpeople, should keep in mind the dangers of walking near or on roads after they have had a few drinks.

Fire and ambulance crews are well placed to warn the public of the dangers of drink-driving and drink-walking. These men and women seethe direct results of serious accidents people have when they have a fewdrinks and then use the roads, sometimes because people have let theirguard down during festivities.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre urges all residents and visitors to Cape Town to celebrate responsibly, but to please be aware at all timesof the potential dangers on our roads.

"Christmas and New Year are usually very busy times for fire and ambulance crews - please don't make it any busier for these hard-working, dedicated people by being careless."

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Issued by:

Communication and Marketing

City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

MEDIA QUERIES:

Wilfred Solomons
Disaster Risk Management Centre
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 597 5000
Cell: 084 711 7709
Email: Wilfred.Solomons@capetown.gov.za
Email: DisasterRiskManagement.Centre@capetown.gov.za