Ahead of the UEFA European Championship 2016, One More Second is issuing a safe driving message to remind fans to show their support for safe driving as well as their favourite teams!

Throughout the Championship, friends and families will travel to and from the matches, or meet up to watch the action on screen at home, in pubs or clubs. Wherever you will be spectating, stay safe with these travel tips:

  • Leave your car at home and use alternative transport arrangements if you feel you may be tempted to have even one alcoholic drink during/ after a match.
  • Do not drive if you have had ANY alcohol. Also remember that you may still be impaired the morning after a heavy night of drinking.
  • Whether you are travelling to a match or to visit family/ friends to watch the game, make sure your vehicle is prepared before travelling. Check fluid levels, lights, fuel, wipers and tyre pressures.
  • If you are driving to a match, plan your route in advance and consider the best place to park.
  • Set off early to allow plenty of time – schedule breaks into your journey if driving for more than two hours.
  • Check traffic updates before you set off and listen to updates during your journey.
  • Avoid overloading your car and make sure all passengers wear seat belts.
  • Keep your team flags and scarves packed away until you arrive – these can be a distraction to yourself and other motorists if you have them on display in your vehicle or hanging out of a window.
  • Be particularly cautious if you are driving after a night match. Collision rates are much higher at night due to risk factors such as alcohol, tiredness and darkness.
  • Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by noisy passengers – particularly on the way home after a match if they are celebrating/ commiserating!
  • Similarly, don’t allow yourself to take frustrations out on other road users if your team has a bad result. No game is worth risking your life!
  • If you are hosting a party at your house during the Championships, consider how your guests will get home afterwards. Stock up on alcohol-free drinks for people who are driving and don’t offer them any alcohol at all. Be in charge of ordering taxis so no-one is tempted to drive after drinking.
  • Look out for friends and colleagues. If you suspect that someone is going to drive after drinking alcohol encourage them to take a taxi, get a lift with a sober friend or stay over for the night.