Football fans are being warned about the serious consequences of driving under the influence during the World Cup. Firefighters are urging supporters not to risk having even one drink if they plan to drive to watch a match.
Alarming Data on Match-Day Collisions
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) has released new data showing a 20.9% spike in road traffic collisions on England match days during the Euros and World Cup from 2016 to 2024. Firefighters have witnessed the tragic impact of drink and drug driving firsthand when called to crashes.
Fire Service Urges Caution
CDDFRS Station Manager Kevin Bell said: "We want people to have a great time watching the World Cup this summer, but we are urging fans to leave their car keys at home if they're planning to drink. Don't even be tempted to have one drink as it can so easily lead to more and potentially have devastating consequences. Our firefighters have tragically seen this first-hand when they are called out to attend road traffic collisions across County Durham and Darlington. Please don't take the risk. Either be the designated driver and stick to non-alcoholic drinks or plan your transport home beforehand."
Live Demonstration Highlights Dangers
On Wednesday, the service carried out a live demonstration of how they respond to road traffic collisions and carry out complex rescues when individuals become trapped inside vehicles.
Key Warnings Issued
- Drinking or using drugs slows down reaction times, making it more difficult to drive safely.
- Even if you drank the night before, you may still be affected the next day and could lose your licence if you drive while over the legal limit.
- 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.
Joint Effort to Promote Safety
CDDFRS has teamed up with Durham Constabulary and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) to urge people to plan their transport home if they intend to drink.
Strategic Roads Policing Inspector Andy Howarth of Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit said: "We see first-hand the devastation that driving under the influence causes – it rips families apart and causes unimaginable suffering. Officers will be carrying out extra drink and drug drive checks across County Durham and Darlington while the World Cup is on. Make this World Cup memorable for the right reasons, not the life-destroying ones."
Alun Ross, who manages critical care and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) at North East Ambulance Service, added: "Our ambulance crews see first-hand the reality of road traffic collisions – from serious, life-changing injuries to tragic loss of life. These incidents affect not just those involved, but their families, friends and whole communities, and they also take a lasting emotional toll on the staff who respond to them. Major events like the World Cup bring people together and we don't want to spoil anyone's enjoyment, but it's important to remember that alcohol and driving never mix. One poor decision behind the wheel can have devastating consequences. This isn't just on the day itself but the morning after too – it takes your body approximately one hour to process every unit of alcohol, so it's easy to still be over the limit the following day. Simple choices can prevent harm and save lives."
