They think it's all over ... it is now - 07th June 2010
That’s the message of a multi-agency summer anti drink-drive campaign launched on Friday.
Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service launched their campaign on Friday 4th June at the Interchange Retail Park. Staff from JJB Sports were also involved, wearing the kits of various countries taking part in this summer’s World Cup. As this summer’s World Cup gets underway there are concerns that people may have a ‘quick’ couple of drinks before driving.
Approximately 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured on roads in the UK each year in drink drive related crashes and nearly one-in-six of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal limit.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “Many of us will want to support our country at this year’s World Cup and that often means having a drink with friends, either at home or elsewhere. However, that drink can have devastating consequences on your life and the lives of others. “More importantly, just one drink can seriously impact on your decision-making and reaction times. I strongly urge everyone to take care and carefully consider how they will get around after watching a match. The safest approach if you’re driving is to not drink at all.”
Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We want everyone to be able to enjoy watching the World Cup this summer but just as importantly, we want everyone to stay safe. Drink driving ruins lives and that is the last thing that anyone wants. Let's make everyone a winner and avoid accidents by leaving the car at home."
Beds and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Northern Area Commander, Tony Rogers, said: "Fire-fighters rescue seven times as many people from wrecked cars as they do from burning buildings. Cutting deaths and injuries on the roads is a critical activity of the Fire and Rescue Service and we hope this joint campaign will help do just that."
