Fans urged to give drink and drug driving the boot during World Cup 2022

People across the North East are being urged to kick drink and drug driving out of the World Cup by taking a zero tolerance approach when it comes to road safety.

Children from Harlow Green Community Primary School in Gateshead have joined Road Safety GB North East and the emergency services to encourage people to enjoy the football, but to say no to getting behind the wheel after drink or drugs.

With the World Cup tournament set to get underway in Qatar from next Sunday (Nov 20), the road safety group, along with police and fire officers, have joined together to urge people to plan their transport home if they are planning to drink while watching the matches, and to do their bit to stop other people driving impaired.

They are also being reminded they may still be over the limit the next morning. It takes roughly one hour for one unit of alcohol to leave your body. A large glass of wine or strong pint of beer contains three units.

Peter Slater, Chair of Road Safety GB NE, said statistics showed that instances of drink and drug driving typically increased during major sporting tournaments, raising the likelihood of road casualties and deaths.

During both the World Cup in 2018 and Euro 2020, there was an increase in drink and drug driving injuries both on the day of and the day after England’s matches, with casualties rising from 10% to as much as 20% of all road injuries.

“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,” said Peter.

“We know that people tend to socialise and drink more during the World Cup, and with Christmas coming, too, there is 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, 781 were slightly injured, 274 were seriously injured, and 27 were killed.

They accounted for 13% of all fatalities on the roads during this period.

While the total number of road casualties in the region has reduced over a five-year period from 237 in 2017 to 198 in 2021, the number killed or seriously injured has remained at around the same number, with 56 in 2021 compared to 57 in 2017. This is despite the Covid pandemic having a big impact on the number of vehicles on the road during both 2020 and 2021.

Headteacher of Harlow Green Primary School, Mustafaa Malik, said the school was delighted to support the campaign.

“Although we all want people to enjoy ourselves over the coming World Cup and festive period, it is important for our community to do so safely,” said Mr Malik.

“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.”

Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police’s Operation Dragoon team, said:

“When you have been drinking or have taken drugs, your reaction time slows down and it is 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.

“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 doubt, don’t get behind the wheel.”

Steven Thomas, Group Manager, Prevention and Education at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would like to remind people who have enjoyed a drink while watching sporting events the dangers of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  If you suspect a person under the influence is planning to drive, encourage them not to. Don’t let an impaired driver risk your life.”

Inspector Kevin Salter, from Durham Road and Armed Policing Unit, said those who chose to drink, and drive risked killing themselves or someone else, which would ultimately lead to prison.

“As a minimum, when caught, offenders risk losing their licence, and potentially their livelihood as a result. We’re all looking forward to the World Cup, but I would encourage anyone going out to celebrate to arrange their transport home beforehand. Our message is simple, don’t drink and drive,” said Insp Salter.

Cleveland Police’s Roads Policing Operations Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “While we hope everyone enjoys the tournament, we want to remind people about the dangers of driving under the influence. There are also risks around driving the next morning, as drink and drugs can remain in the system for extended periods of time. Remember, while you may feel fit to drive, you may not be.”

And Andrew Bright, Road Safety Co-ordinator for Cleveland Fire Brigade, urged people to do the right thing and to speak up if friends and family planned to drive after drink or drugs.

He said: “Behind these stark injury statistics are the many human stories of lives devastated by someone making the wrong choice and getting behind the wheel when impaired. Don’t let your mates drive after drink or drugs. Often, its innocent passengers and other road-users that are the victims with the driver walking away with a lifetime of regret.”

The number of drink and drug drive casualties usually increases over the Christmas period too, with numbers becoming particularly high from December 23 through to New Years’ Day.

During this period, 23% of all injuries involve a drink or drug impaired driver, and this increases to 30% for those killed or seriously injured.