Wherever summer takes you – Don’t drink and drive: KCC launches latest road safety campaign

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Travel and transport
Four adults wearing red‑and‑white scarves sit at a wooden table in a busy pub, holding drinks and looking toward a television screen, appearing engaged in watching a sports match while surrounded by shelves of bottles and warm lighting.

As people come together to enjoy summer events – from watching the World Cup to attending BBQs, weddings, and parties – Kent County Council (KCC) is calling on everyone to play their part in keeping our roads safe.

The Road Safety Team has launched a new campaign which highlights the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. It aims to encourage safer choices throughout the season.

It’s not about telling people they can’t drink while watching the World Cup, but instead encouraging people to plan ahead for the journey home by organising a designated driver, booking a taxi or selecting from the wide range of zero alcohol options available.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of a collision. Research shows that around one in six road deaths involve drink drivers. Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely and drivers at the legal limit are between two and five times more likely to crash.

At twice the legal limit, drivers are at least 30 times more likely to cause a crash and the risk of being involved in a fatal collision increases by 50 times at twice the limit.

Serious consequences

The campaign also highlights the severe legal and personal consequences of drink driving. Motorists caught driving under the influence could face:

  • Up to six months in prison
  • An unlimited fine
  • A driving ban
  • A criminal record
  • Or cause a serious or fatal crash

Plan ahead

KCC is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before attending summer events by arranging a designated driver, using public transport or taxis, staying overnight or choosing non-alcoholic options if driving.

Peter Osborne smiles towards the camera and is standing in front of green leaves

“We aren’t saying you can’t enjoy a drink while you yell at the screen, but we are asking you to plan ahead by making better choices”

Peter Osborne Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

Peter Osborne, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Whether you’re cheering on your team or enjoying time with friends and family, don’t let one drink change lives forever. Make the safe choice and never drink and drive.

“We aren’t saying you can’t enjoy a drink while you yell at the screen, but we are asking you to plan ahead by making better choices that keep safety in mind.”

For more information, visit  the Kent Road Safety website.