Pernod Ricard promotes safe driving

By Kim Jae-won

Awareness and prevention were key aspects in a large campaign against drunk driving organized by Pernod Ricard Korea in downtown Seoul, Monday. About 1,000 people from the firm, NGOs and police agencies participated in part of its French parent firm’s global campaign.

A ceremony was held at Yongsan Station with a big banner which read “Drinking and driving can’t be mixed.” The Korean unit of the Paris-based global liquor company displayed scores of posters and slogans, aiming to convey how dangerous it is to drive after drinking.

Pernod Ricard Korea’s Smart Driving Foundation, a non-profit organization chaired by Rep. Chun Yu-ok of the governing Grand National Party, led the one-day campaign against driving under the influence or DUI.

“We believe that preventive action and education are the best tools to combat drunk driving,” said Franck Lapeyre, chief executive of Pernod Ricard Korea. We remind everybody that the most efficient preventive message is ‘Don’t drink and drive.’”

Rep. Chun echoed Lapeyre’s message emphasizing both drinking and driving are good for people, but the two shouldn’t be mixed together.

“Personally, I like to drink with people and I enjoy driving. But, I want to say that they should be done separately,” said the two-term female legislator.

Drunk driving is one of the most serious social problems in the nation. It caused about 28,000 car accidents last year in Korea, killing 781 people, according to the police.

Pernod Ricard has been committed to reducing alcohol abuse since 1971, when the company established a research center titled French Institute of Scientific Research and Study on Drink.

This awareness day, entitled “Responsib’ALL Day,” is the outcome of 40 years of preventive measures organized in partnership with various public authorities, the company said.

Government agencies and state-run companies, including the police and Korea Expressway Corp., also attended.