Football fans are being warned about the deadly consequences of drinking and driving as they get ready to cheer on England in the World Cup.
The message comes after figures show a sharp rise in the number of drink and drug-driving injuries when England plays in major tournaments. In the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020, casualties rose from 10% to as much as 20% of all road injuries.
Peter Slater, chairman of Road Safety GB NE, warned drivers to not even have one drink if they are planning on going out to watch the match.
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“We’re really looking forward to the World Cup and hope England do us proud again, but we want people to do the right thing and to keep both themselves and others safe on the roads,” he said.
“We know that people tend to socialise and drink more during the World Cup, and with Christmas coming, too, there’s even more reason for people to celebrate. Go out and have a great time but leave your car keys at home if you’re planning to drink; don’t even be tempted to have one drink – it can so easily lead to more. Either be the designated driver and stick to soft drinks or plan your transport home beforehand.”
In the five-year period between 2017 and 2021, there were 1,082 people injured in collisions that involved a suspected drink or drug-impaired driver in the North East. Of these people, 27 were killed and 274 were seriously injured.
Northumbria Police, Durham Constabulary, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, have joined forces with Harlow Green Community Primary School in Gateshead to urge people to plan their transport home if they are planning to drink.
Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police’s Operation Dragoon team, said: “When you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs, your reaction time slows down and it’s more difficult to drive in a safe manner. Road traffic collisions can tear families apart, and it’s crucial people are aware of the potentially devastating and irreversible consequences of driving over the limit.
"We will be patrolling our region’s roads to try and make sure they are as safe as possible for all users. If you’ve been under the influence, it’s important to remember that you may still be affected the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit. If you’re in any doubt, don’t get behind the wheel.”
Harlow Green Primary School head teacher Mustafaa Malik said the school hopes to save lives by spreading the safety message.
"Although we all want people to enjoy themselves over the coming World Cup and festive period, it is important for our community to do so safely,” he said.
"Unfortunately, we know the devastation that can happen when people mix drinking and driving, which is always a huge concern. Having our children understand from an early age that these two things don’t mix is important and, hopefully, they can be part of an essential message that will save lives.”
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