Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce calls on fans not to drink drive during Euro 2016

The Black Cats boss is giving his backing to a campaign by Road Safety GB North East which aims to to raise awareness about the dangers of the offence and reduce accident and casualty figures during the football tournament.

It is hoped that it will persuade drivers to leave their cars at home when they enjoy a few drinks while watching the games, which start on June 10 – and to make sure they are not over the limit the following morning.

As part of the drink drive message, Road Safety GB North East has materials for use during the tournament, including a Euro 2016 game planner, sweepstake and score predictor.

Between 2011 and 2015, 42 people were killed on the North East roads due to a suspected drink driver, 263 were seriously injured, and a further 1,424 were slightly injured.

In 2015 alone, 70 people were killed or seriously injured – the highest number for five years. County Durham has the worst record for drink driving accidents in the region, followed by Northumberland, Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside.

Sam said: “We’re all really looking forward to Euro 2016, and hoping we will have something to celebrate if England do well.

“However, it’s not a good idea to mix alcohol and driving.

“If people are having a few drinks while watching the games, they should leave the car at home, and think about whether they are still over the limit the following day.”