Firefighters are warning football fans of the serious consequences of driving under the influence as they get ready to cheer on England in the World Cup.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said its firefighters have seen firsthand the tragic impact drink and drug driving can have when they are called out to road traffic collisions.
The Service is urging supporters to not risk having even one drink if they are planning on driving somewhere to watch the match.
This follows new CDDFRS data showing a 20.9% spike in road traffic collisions on England match days during the Euros and World Cup (2016–2024).
CDDFRS Station Manager Kevin Bell said: “We want people to have a great time watching the World Cup this summer (2026), 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 firsthand 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.”
The Service has warned that drinking or using drugs, slows down reaction times making it more difficult to drive safely.
CDDFRS said it’s also important to remember that even if you have been drinking the night before you may still be affected the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still 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.
CDDFRS has teamed up with Durham Constabulary and the North East Ambulance Service to urge people to plan their transport home if they are planning to drink.
Strategic Roads Policing Inspector Andy Howarth, of Durham Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said: “We see firsthand 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 whilst the World Cup is on.
“Make this World Cup memorable for the right reasons, not the life-destroying ones.”
Alun Ross manages critical care and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) at North East Ambulance Service, which regularly attend road traffic collisions.
"Our ambulance crews see first-hand the reality of road traffic collisions – from serious, life-changing injuries to tragic loss of life,” he said.
"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.”
Caption: CDDFRS firefighters and Station Manager Kevin Bell with North East Ambulance Service, Durham Constabulary and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service.
