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Here we go, here we go...

After all the hype, the 'big kick off' is here - and road safety professionals across the country have been reminding fans of the dangers of drink and drug driving during the World Cup.

In the East Midlands, fans are being encouraged to Make the Perfect Substitution and get a taxi or bus home. 

Campaign materials have been distributed to pubs across the region and there's a competition linked to the campaign website perfectsubstitution.com. The website opens up with a 20 second drink drive commercial. and also carries information on drinking and driving and links to public transport timetables. 

The campaign also includes radio, bus and car park ticket advertising, as well as posters distributed to local businesses, leisure centres, colleges and universities.

Across the north west, the question being posed is THINK! Will you make it to the final?

Fans across the region are being given the opportunity to test their penalty shooting skills while wearing 'beer' goggles - special glasses that disorientate the wearer to simulate the effects of drinking. A series of launch events took place across the region on 6 June.

The campaign is designed to shake drivers' confidence about their own 'rule of thumb' of what's safe to drink and drive - and get them thinking about the consequences of being caught.

I n the West Midlands, for the first time drivers arrested during the summer drink drive campaign will also be drug tested. 

Police officers are conducting roadside checks in a month long campaign that started on 5 June.  The campaign is supported by radio advertising on Saga fm. 

Chief inspector Steve Palmer said: "If you are a passenger, refuse to get a lift home with someone you know has drunk too much or taken drugs - 10 times as many people die in road traffic collisions than are murdered."

Police officers breath testing drivers in Cambridgeshire will also be carrying out impairment checks to see if they are under the influence of drugs.

In Thurrock, FA Trophy winners Grays Athletic joined forces with Thurrock Council to encourage people to enjoy the tournament safely.

The council's road safety team joined players at the club's ground to promote awareness of drink-driving dangers. Posters highlighting the message are being distributed to clubs and pubs around Thurrock.

RoSPA has urged fans to take extra care on the road before, during and after big matches as the excitement may prove a dangerous distraction.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: "Some people may be paying too much attention to the football and not enough to their driving. During the match, some supporters will be listening on car radios and again that could be a distraction at key moments. Afterwards, when people are buzzing from what we hope will be many England wins, their minds may not be as concentrated on their driving as they should be."

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