EMPLOYERS must play a major role in ensuring drivers stay safe during the festive season, according to safety experts.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says that with drink-drive casualties at their highest for more than 10 years, it is vital that revellers arrange transport so that they are not tempted to drink and drive.

RoSPA's head of road safety Kevin Clinton said: 'Pubs, clubs and restaurants will be busy from now until Christmas and there will be big demands on taxis and public transport.

'It is important that people make arrangements early so that if they are drinking alcohol they can get to and from their destination without having to drive. They should also consider whether they need alternative transport next morning in case they are still over the limit.'

Clinton said the worry is that people leave their transport arrangements until the last minute. 'If they can't get a cab, or miss a bus or train, they may be tempted to get behind the wheel. That decision could wreck their lives if they kill someone or lose their job through losing their licence,' he added.

RoSPA wants companies which offer hospitality at Christmas to play a part in cutting the number of road casualties. The society said they should point out the dangers of drinking and driving to staff, consider overnight accommodation after office parties, have policies banning drinking when in charge of a company vehicle and offer professional advice for employees with drink problems.