World Cup drink-drive warning

South Yorkshire Police launched its summer anti-drink drive campaign this week — just a week ahead of next week’s big kick-off in Brazil.

The campaign is part of a national crackdown by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) aimed at reducing the number of people killed and injured on the roads by those who drink and drive.

Throughout June, South Yorkshire Police officers will be out in force carrying out roadside checks at various times of the day and night.  

Drivers who commit a driving offence, are involved in a collision or who officers suspect may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be tested by police.

Police said alcohol remained a major contributor to road crashes. During 2012, 280 people were killed in collisions where a driver was found to be over the legal limit, accounting for 16 per cent of all road fatalities in Great Britain.

Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership manager, said: “If you are watching the World Cup or enjoying a drink in the sunshine, make sure, you arrange to get home without using the car.  

“Book a taxi, get a lift from someone you know or use public transport.

“Remember, if you drink late into the evening, you may still be over the limit the morning after.

“Drinking and driving is very dangerous. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your reaction times and hence your driving.

“It is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit, so it’s better not to drink at all.

“Drinking and driving is not worth the risk.

“Being caught could result in being banned from driving, having points on your licence, a fine of up to £5,000, or even imprisonment.  

“This will mean increased insurance costs, loss of independence if you are banned, even the loss of your job if you are unable to drive.  

“All this, on top of the shame of having a criminal record.”

Chief Insp Stuart Walne, head of road policing at South Yorkshire Police, said: “The World Cup is a celebration.  

“Late kick-offs, longer opening times and midweek games could increase the risk of still being over the limit the following morning on your way to work or the school run.  

“Your driving will still be impaired and the consequences are just the same.Prevention is better than cure.  

“If you know a driver has been drinking and is about to or has driven, report them to South Yorkshire Police by telephoning 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The World Cup runs from June 12-July 13. England’s Group D matches are on Saturday, June 14 at 11pm (vs Italy), Thursday, June 19, at 8pm (vs Uruguay) and Tuesday, June 24 at 5pm (vs Costa Rica).