Keep yourself and others safe by not drinking or driving after the football game.

The countdown is on to Euro 2024. Over 31 days, and with 24 football games to watch, there is a lot to get excited about. Hosts Germany kick the competition off against Scotland this Friday, with England set to face Serbia on Sunday, June 16. You might be watching your team in the pub, at home in your back garden, or over at a friend's house, but have you thought about how you’ll be getting home?

According to the latest research from IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, more than a quarter (27%) of drivers think there are circumstances when it’s okay to drive under the influence. Our guide below helps you enjoy football this summer safely:

Stay in control 

• Do not succumb to peer pressure to drink; stick to your guns if you are driving, and your head will thank you in the morning!

Know your limits

• Know how much you are drinking. Alcoholic drinks consumed at home or a friend’s house are often larger or stronger than those in public venues and may hold a lot more units of alcohol than you think.

Are you a good friend?

• Be a mate: If you notice someone about to get behind the wheel after a few beers or wines, try reasoning with them or taking their keys away, and encourage other friends to support you. If the situation escalates, order them a taxi, offer them a couch, or even call the police.

The next day 

• Be careful of the ‘morning after.’ You may still be over the legal limit even if you have had a good eight-hour sleep. The way alcohol affects you depends on many factors, including your age, sex, weight, and metabolism.

Ditch the keys

• It’s not just driving while drunk that you can get caught for. Being ‘in charge’ of a vehicle extends to having the keys and being in the car collecting items from the car and is not limited to sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Leave the keys and the vehicle at home! Why take the chance of having to explain your intentions to the court?

Sort a lift

• If you use public transport or book a cab, then you won’t have to worry and can enjoy the game.

Remember, there are strict penalties for being caught over the drink-drive limit. Being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit or unfit through alcohol.

Director of Policy and Standards Nick Lyes says: “We all love long, warm summer days, and when the Euros are on, it provides the perfect backdrop to get together with friends and family to support our national team. Our advice is to plan, use public transport or taxis, organise a designated driver, and stick to the golden rule of none for the road.”