MOTORISTS across Redditch, Alvechurch, Alcester and Studley are being reminded of the dangers of drink driving during the Rugby World Cup.
Local police say that with a month of Rugby World Cup across the UK and with televised matches at home or on big screens people may be tempted to risk mixing drinking with driving or not think about the effect that alcohol may have the morning after.
Over the past three years, 118 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia and 78 in Warwickshire as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.
Of particular concern is those motorists aged between 17 and 30; Just over 64 per cent of drivers involved in collisions causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs were aged 17-30, of which around 87 per cent were male.
During the national drink drive campaign in June this year, a total of 220 people across Warwickshire and West Mercia were arrested for driving under the influence of drink or drugs; 60 of those were arrested under the new drug driving legislation that came into force in March this year.
Vicki Bristow from the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “We would ask people to consider other options if planning on going out to watch the match, public transport, taxis and using nominated drivers are easy to arrange – drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk. We’re also urging people to think about how much they have had the night before if you need to drive the next morning.
“Our message is simple; Don’t let the side down, enjoy the World Cup responsibly, don’t Drink and Drive.”
