DON’T be a “dead drunk” – that’s the stark warning police were giving shoppers this weekend.

Police figures show 63 pedestrians across County Durham and Darlington were injured in road accidents while under the influence of alcohol between 2011 and 2013 – and eight died.

As part of a campaign to raise awareness, emergency services staged a fatal collision in Darlington town centre yesterday (Saturday, March 8) and handed out information to the public.

Staff from NECA (North East Council on Addictions) also took part, as well as the North East Ambulance Service, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and police cadets, while The Tapas Bar, in Bondgate, served non-alcoholic cocktails to visitors.

Sergeant Mick Urwin, from Durham Police's Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit, urged revellers to plan their way home after a night out by organising a lift or saving enough money for a taxi or bus home.

“Most of the fatal collisions have been when people are walking home down country roads with no pavement, when cars only see them at the last minute as they are not wearing highly visible clothing.

“Others might think they are walking on the pavement, but are actually on the road or about to step out in front of a car.

“It impacts not only on the person who has been run over, but on their families and the officer who has to tell them the news. It is one of the most unpleasant tasks an officer can carry out.”

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg added: “This innovative campaign was paid for through my Community Safety Fund and is a scheme I am pleased to be part of. I am delighted it is now being rolled out to other parts of the force area so we can keep even more people safe."