EMPLOYERS in Darlington are being urged to encourage staff not to drink and drive over the festive period.

Big companies in the area have received a letter from Darlington Borough Council asking bosses to do all they can to stop their workers putting themselves and others in danger this Christmas.

The idea is to involve businesses in the general anti-drink-drive message which emergency services and road safety experts strive to get across in the run-up to Christmas.

As well as reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by drink-driving, the council is hoping employers will benefit if their workers do not drink excessively and fall ill the next morning.

The local authority's road safety officer, Norma Sheppard, said: "A company may benefit if it participates in a campaign by noting increased productivity, fewer hangovers and a decreased absence rate during a morning shift."

The council is hoping that if leading employers join the fight against drink-driving, people will be bombarded with the life-saving safety message at work as well as at home through television, radio and newspaper advertising.

Ms Sheppard said: "Every road safety officer is dedicated to reducing casualties and efforts will not cease until everyone has been convinced not to drive after drinking alcohol.

"Drinking and driving wrecks lives and we are asking people to leave their car at home if they are going to have a drink."

Posters and leaflets pushing the "no drink-driving" message are being made available to businesses which want to distribute them to staff.

The council will provide as many leaflets as are needed by companies, and no charge will be made to companies who want to help their staff stay safe.

The council has also suggested that companies print a simple slogan on people's payslips during November and December to further emphasis the anti-drink-drive message in the run-up to Christmas.

Ms Sheppard said: "There are lots of things employers can do to generally help their employees and potentially save a life. For example, event organisers could give good quality non-alcoholic cocktails or drinks at Christmas lunches or dinners, which could help dissuade drivers from drinking.