With the 2010 World Cup fast approaching the following provides some good practice guidance on how to enjoy it and stay safe on the road.

World Cup fever brings with it a sharp rise in drink driving, with beer consumption in pubs rising by around 40% every time England play. For this reason, people are being urged to give drink driving the red card this year. Even one drink can affect a driver’s reaction time and ability to judge speed and distance effectively.

Andy Cuerden, Managing Director of Interactive Driving Systems, and a keen supporter of Huddersfield Town, said: ‘Let’s all enjoy the world cup and give drink driving the boot by planning our return journey before we leave home so that we can stay on-side with the law. We do not want anyone to score own goals during the World Cup – nor for the Police to have to act as referee.’

In most countries, the summer months normally see an increase in drink drive casualties as temperatures rise. Drivers become complacent, succumb to the warm weather and can be tempted to drink and drive. Alcohol tends to make people feel over-confident and more likely to take risks, which increases the danger to all road users.

You should also be aware that if you have been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day. You may feel OK, but could still be over the limit the following day.

The message to everyone before, during and after the world cup is that you cannot calculate your own drink drive limit and the only safe option is not to drink and drive at all.

Enjoy the world cup, stay safe on the road, follow the rules of the game and lets all be winners this season.

Author: Dr Will Murray, research director at Interactive Driving Systems