Ahead of Wales’ first game at the FIFA World Cup, Road Safety Wales is reminding people to plan ahead if they intend to drink alcohol.
Many people have waited a generation to see Wales get to the World Cup and we are encouraging everyone to remember this momentous occasion for all the right reasons.
If you are drinking alcohol, please make arrangements to get home, before you go out. Save the number of a local taxi in your phone, find out times of public transport or arrange a lift with someone sober. Just remember that if you’re asking a sober family member or friend to come and pick you up late at night or in the early hours of the morning, please be aware that they may be too tired to drive - fatigue can be a contributory factor in up to 20% of collisions.
The penalties from drink driving can be life-changing. You could be imprisoned, banned from driving and face a fine if you’re found guilty. If you drive as part of your job, this could seriously affect your work prospects for many years to come.
If you witness someone about to drink drive, please notify the police or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To some people, reporting someone may feel like an awful thing to do - but you could genuinely be saving a life.
If you’re planning on walking home, it’s worth noting that walking when intoxicated affects judgement, balance and reflexes. Please look after yourself and your friends - if they have had one too many, make sure that they get home safely.
And finally, when you wake up the next morning it’s important to remember that you could still be over the drink drive limit – even if you feel ok. If you need to get to work, please find an alternative way to travel.
If you’re drinking, avoid driving. If you’re driving, avoid alcohol. Simple really.