The Chapala municipal government launched the first phase of an accident prevention program Sunday, December 9 with the free distribution of bumpers stickers aimed at discouraging motorists from driving while under the influence.
Decals bearing the slogan “Si tomas no manejes” (If you drink, don’t drive) were pasted on hundreds of vehicles as they stopped at traffic lights at the city’s main intersection.
The campaign was scheduled to target weekend visitors who come to lakeside from the Guadalajara metro area, particularly young people who tend to consume alcohol in excess during their outings. It also ties into to the ban on hard liquor sales at commercial stands located in the waterfront tourist zone that will take effect in the new year.
The program is being operated by the Municipal Commission on Accident Prevention (Comupa) in coordination with the city’s civil protection, health and sports agencies.
Officials at the Chapala area traffic department plan to latch on to the campaign by handing out the stickers to driving license applicants. The agency attributes the majority of weekend highway accidents to the lethal combination of intoxicated drivers and excess speed.
In the future Comupa will address other issues such as accidents in the home and workplace.