Festive drinkers given safe rides home

"Red Nose" volunteers help to keep the roads safe. Nez Rouge

Nearly 4,000 people have so far taken advantage of Switzerland's "Red Nose" service, which offers a safe ride home to those who have had a drink too many over the festive season.

As many as 3,766 people have been delivered safely to their front doors by volunteers of the “Red Nose” service – or “Nez Rouge”, as it is known locally.

Anyone who feels incapable of driving, whether because of too much alcohol or drugs or simply because they feel too tired to get behind the wheel, can telephone a volunteer, who will see them safely home.

The initiative is part of a nationwide traffic prevention campaign, which was launched in 1990. So far this year, 2,028 volunteers have made 2,265 journeys and travelled a total of 81,428 kilometres during the campaign to keep drunk drivers off the road.

The service is available until the morning of January 1. Anyone in Switzerland can summon a driver by dialling 0800 802 208.

All tips are donated to non-profit organisations which promote social and youth causes as well as sports.

swissinfo with agencies