| DON'T SCORE
AN OWN GOAL THIS WORLD CUP BY DRINK DRIVING
"Don't risk it all for a drink" is the message to
football fans as the Hertfordshire Strategic Road
Safety Partnership (including Herts Police, Hertfordshire
County Council and Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue
Service) teams up with local footballs clubs for a
special campaign to tackle drink driving during the
World Cup.
With posters displayed in local pubs and bars, flyers
handed out to drivers, support from local football
clubs and information packs sent to local businesses,
the campaign aims to remind supporters of the consequences
of drinking and driving as well as advice on how to
get home from watching a match safely.
“While we don't want to discourage people from getting
into the spirit of the competition, it's important
everyone can enjoy the World Cup safely,” commented
Chief Inspector Donna Pierce from the Road Policing
Strategic Unit. “There's no excuse for drink driving.
We'll be present round the clock to take robust action
against anyone who threatens their own and others'
safety - so if you do try to get away with drinking
before getting behind the wheel, there's a very good
chance you'll be caught.”
Stuart Pile, Hertfordshire County Council's Executive
Member for Highways and Transport, added: “I certainly
hope we have something to celebrate this World Cup,
but please give a thought to how you're getting home
after each game. If you're going to be drinking when
watching a match, get a licensed taxi home, arrange
for one of your party to be a designated driver or
stick to soft drinks - it's simply not worth the risk.
I'd urge people to think, how would your life be different
if you lost your licence?"
Hertfordshire Constabulary will be carrying on their
regular patrols across the county during the tournament
to ensure everyone can enjoy the competition, whichever
team they support.
If you're planning on heading out to watch a game
during the World Cup, here's some advice:
• Driving home after watching a match? Don't drink
any alcohol. So many factors (gender, build, age,
health) will vary the way alcohol affects you that
just one drink can impair your driving - and could
take you over the legal limit.
• Remember, alcohol takes longer than you might think
to pass through your system. If you've been drinking
the night before, there's a strong possibility you
could be over the limit the next morning.
• If you know you will be drinking later on, plan
beforehand how you are getting home safely - you could
arrange for one of your group to be the 'designated
driver'. However, it's often unplanned moments of
drinking when people decide to take a risk - if you
do have a drink, book a licensed taxi.
For more information and advice on road safety, visit
www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk. Find out more safety advice
on the Herts Police World Cup page at www.herts.police.uk/world_cup/index
June 2010
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