County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) is urging football fans to avoid driving after drinking alcohol during the 2026 World Cup.

The warning follows new data showing a 20.9% spike in road traffic collisions on England match days during the Euros and World Cup between 2016 and 2024.

Firefighters' Experience

CDDFRS Station Manager Kevin Bell said firefighters have witnessed the tragic impact of drink and drug driving firsthand when responding to road traffic collisions across the area.

"We want people to have a great time watching the World Cup this summer, but we are urging fans to leave their car keys at home if they're planning to drink," he said.

"Don't even be tempted to have one drink as it can so easily lead to more and potentially have devastating consequences."

How Alcohol Affects Driving

Drinking or using drugs slows down reaction times and makes it more difficult to drive safely. It takes roughly one hour for one unit of alcohol to leave the body. A large glass of wine or strong pint of beer contains three units.

CDDFRS also warned that drinking the night before may still leave drivers over the legal limit the next day, risking loss of licence.

Multi-Agency Response

CDDFRS has teamed up with Durham Constabulary and the North East Ambulance Service to encourage safe transport planning.

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 carry out extra drink and drug drive checks across County Durham and Darlington during the World Cup.

Alun Ross, who manages critical care and the Hazardous Area Response Team at North East Ambulance Service, said ambulance crews regularly attend road traffic collisions caused by impaired driving.

"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," he said.

Safer Alternatives

CDDFRS advises supporters to either be a designated driver and stick to non-alcoholic drinks, or plan transport home beforehand if planning to drink.