As the party season gets into full swing motorists are again being warned of the dangers of drink diving.

THINK!, a campaign by the Department of Transport, was launched today reminding drivers that getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking too much could have serious consequences.

It has been kick-started in tandem with a radio advert and also uses this summer's hard hitting Moment of Doubt TV advert.

Jim Fitzpatrick, road safety minister, said: "Drink driving ruins lives.

"Last year 540 people died in this pointless, avoidable way...that's lives shattered and the dreams of family and friends devastated."

He said that he had been on the road with Sussex Police this year and was "amazed at how even the smallest sign can give drink drivers away to these highly trained officers".

If caught they would receive a criminal record, a large fine and a driving ban, he added.

Other consequences include higher car insurance premiums as motorists would have to disclose any offences.

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