With the country enjoying this summer’s UEFA Euro 2020 competition, Rotherham United are backing South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) efforts to give a team talk with a difference to help fans stay safe.
The tournament, which is now in its 16th year, got underway on Friday when Turkey played Italy in Rome and has since seen England win their opening fixture of the tournament as they overcame Croatia on Sunday.
With each round of matches that comes, supporters are faced with planning how they will get home if they are fancying an alcoholic drink.
Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP, said: “Thousands of fans across the country are gearing up to watch the Euros.
“If you are heading to the pub to watch the game or hosting friends at home, all we ask is that if you decide to have a beer or two, you don’t then drive.
“Our message is simple, if you drink, don’t drive. Have NONE for the road and get home safe.”
England’s second game against Scotland, kick offs at 8pm on Friday 18 June with the team’s final group stage game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday 22 June also at 8pm.
“While Gareth Southgate will be preparing his players for set pieces and formations, we are asking South Yorkshire fans to think tactically about being fit to drive,” added Joanne.
“With two of England’s group stage games being evening games, we need to remind fans that they may still be over the drink drive limit the following morning.
“If you have a few drinks while watching the match, think about how long it takes for alcohol to leave the system – don’t set off the next day unless you’re fully sober.
“The consequences could be a lot worse than a red card.”
An average liver can process approximately one unit of alcohol per hour, starting one hour after drinking has stopped. This means that if someone drinks 12 units, it can take them roughly 13 hours to fully sober up.
If you are caught driving over the legal limit, you may banned from driving, have points added on your licence, an unlimited fine, or even imprisonment.
Inspector Jason Booth from South Yorkshire Police’s road’s policing team added: “Driving while under the influence of alcohol drastically increases your chances of being involved in a road traffic collision.
“We want everyone to enjoy the Euros safely and responsibly so please, if you drink, don’t drive. There are severe consequences that come with drink driving and they are simply not worth the risk. Book a taxi, have a designated driver or walk home where possible.
“Traffic officers will be monitoring the road network, carrying out roadside breath tests and drug wipes as part of our on ongoing road safety campaign Operation Illuminate.
“Our job is to keep the roads safe, and we will make every effort to ensure that those driving over the alcohol limit or driving whilst under the influence of drugs are caught and prosecuted.”
Throughout the tournament, SYSRP will run social media messaging reminding people to have NONE for the road.
You can follow the #gethomesafe campaign @SYSaferRoads on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on the law and penalties visit: sysrp.co.uk/drinkdriving