People across the North East are being urged to kick drink and drug driving out of the Euros as the football tournament gets underway this week.

A TWFRS crew from Birtley Community Fire Station joined representatives from Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE), Northumbria Police and young people from a local school to urge people not to get behind the wheel after drink or drugs. People are also reminded they may still be over the limit the next morning.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 1,240 people injured in the North East in collisions involving a suspected drink/drug driver. Some 381 of those people were seriously injured and 37 were killed.

Terry Griffin, Safety Education Manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The issue of drink and drug driving is very serious with the wider implications seeing drivers causing serious accidents, which could injure themselves, their passengers or even an innocent bystander, and in some cases may lead to a fatality.

“Please drive safely and within the legal parameters and respect your fellow drivers on the road.”

Peter Slater, Chair of RSGB NE, said: “While there has been a reduction in the total amount of people injured in drink and drug driving collisions across the region, the number of people killed or seriously injured remains high. This loss of life and injury could have been so easily prevented.

“We know people are looking forward to the Euros, but we want to remind people to be sensible. If you know you’re going to be drinking, plan your transport home beforehand. Consider being the designated driver and sticking to soft drinks.”

Drink and drug driving typically increases during major sporting tournaments as people gather to watch the games over drinks.

During the World Cup in 2022, there was an increase in drink and drug driving injuries in the North East on the day of and the day following England’s matches. On these days, drink/drug driving injuries in the region increased from 12% to 16% of all injuries, while those resulting in serious injury rose from 15% to 20%.

It takes roughly one hour for one unit of alcohol to leave your body, but it could take longer depending on your gender, body type, size, and whether you have consumed food or medication. A large glass of wine or a strong pint of beer contains three units, which will take at least three hours to leave your body.

Younger people are more likely to be involved and injured in collisions where drink and drug drivers are a feature. Around 58% of drink/drug drivers and 52% of casualties are aged between 17 and 34.

Chief Inspector Alan Pitchford, of Northumbria Police, said: “As the Euros draw closer, we know that many people will be gearing up to watch the action unfold.

“Our message to fans is a simple one – don’t get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking or using drugs. We all have a responsibility to ensure other road users are safe from harm – so we would urge everyone to be sensible and think ahead.”

For more information about Road Safety GB North East, road safety advice and campaigns, go to https://www.lookoutroadsafety.co.uk.