PLANS to offer free soft drinks to designated drivers has to be a good thing.

For two nights, 15 pubs across East Lancashire will try out the scheme as part of Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety’s summer drink drive campaign.

The incentive aims to make sure people have a great night out and then get home safely.

It will also be backed up by police officers stepping up their patrols to catch reckless drink drivers – a real ‘carrot and stick’ approach as those caught face an automatic ban and a hefty fine.

High-profile campaigns every year try to dissuade people from getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks. And while the message has got through to many, there are still those who choose to risk it.

According to official statistics, nearly one in every seven deaths on the roads involves drivers who are over the legal limit.

Worryingly, there is also evidence showing that even those with a small amount of alcohol are affected, as it slows the brain’s ability to judge speed and distances and react quickly.

So this summer, take advantage of these pubs’ free soft drink offer for your designated driver and make it a good, safe and legal night out for all.