As the festive season draws closer, motorists across the country have been advised to desist from alcohol consumption if they have to drive to avoid road crashes.

Speaking at a campaign in Abuja, to sensitise drivers against the dangers of drinking and driving, the stakeholders said there was a need to reduce traffic deaths and injuries, and also improve road safety in the country.

World Health Organisation had estimated that around 35,641 lives were lost due to weak road safety laws on risk factors such as speed, drink-driving, seat-belts and child restraints.

Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Baker Magunda, which sponsored the campaign, said the organisation would continue to make necessary efforts to address the issues of road safety, particularly drinking and driving in Nigeria and across the world.”

He said: “We will continue to support and work with experts to create a positive change by promoting road safety and responsible consumption in Nigeria and all other countries that we do business in.”

All road crashes attributable to alcohol are preventable, Magunda said, noting that the firm would tackle alcohol misuse through policies, programmes and partnerships.

Division Director, UNITAR, Alex Mejia said the firm is working hard to improve the capacity of the stakeholders in the road safety sector to clampdown on road crashes.

Mejia said: “We aim to improve the capacity of public and civil entities involved in road safety across the world, especially in countries with a high incidence of road accidents and injuries.”