Avoid penalties during Euro 2016

A road safety organisation is
urging football fans to put safety first if they’re on the road during the Euro
2016 matches in France. GEM Motoring Assist’s advice applies for fans who will
be following their national teams in France, and for others watching at home or
in the pub.
Laws
GEM chief executive David Williams says: “If you’re driving
in France, it’s important that you’re aware of specific French traffic laws.
For example, the drink-driving limit
in France is lower than in England and Wales (0.5mg compared with 0.8mg). Also,
France has introduced jail terms for drivers caught at more than 50km/h above
the speed limit, even
first time offenders.
Fatigue
“The French motorway network is extensive and excellent,
meaning you can cover big distances with ease. But don’t try to drive too far
in one go. Take fatigue seriously; make
time for proper breaks and avoid driving at times of day when you would
normally be sleeping.
“For fans planning to watch our national teams at home or in
the pub, we’re stressing the importance of planning journeys home. Pre-book a
taxi, or share lifts and agree a designated driver who will stay on soft
drinks.”
Take Care
David Williams added: “Be careful when walking home. Figures
from the Department for Transport show that one pedestrian in seven injured on
our roads is drunk at the time. Alcohol impairs judgement and reduces the
ability to judge speed and
distance, regardless of whether you’re driving or walking. It can also increase
willingness to take risks, often resulting in pedestrians stumbling into the
road and being hit by drivers who have no chance of avoiding them.
“We’ll be cheering for our home nations, and we certainly
don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of the football. However, we are
committed to helping reduce risk for
all road users. That’s why we encourage fans to look out for each other and get
home safely.”
Football Matches
The UEFA ‘Euro 16’ takes place between 10 June and 10 July,
at venues in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, St-Étienne, Nice, Lens
and Toulouse.
England face Russia on 11 June, Wales on 16 June and
Slovakia on 20 June.
Wales take on Slovakia on 11 June, England on 16 June and
Russia on 20 June.
Northern Ireland play Poland on 12 June, Ukraine on 16 June
and Germany on 21 June.
Stay Safe
GEM has the following safety tips to ensure safe enjoyment
of the Euro 2016 tournament:
- If
you’re walking home from the pub, make sure you can be seen by drivers and
riders.
- Never
let mates walk home drunk on their own.
- If
you’re going out to watch the football, then pre-book your taxi home, or
share lifts and agree a designated driver for each match.
- If you
need to drive home, don’t take any risks and stay on soft drinks while
you’re out.
- If you
have a few late night drinks at home, then don’t plan to drive the
following morning as you could still be over the drink-drive limit.
Avoid The Penalties
Anyone convicted of drink-driving faces a mandatory ban of at least 12 months, with a fine of up to £5,000 and a possible prison sentence of up to six months.