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

Major 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.

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.

Road safety officer Norma Sheppard said: "A company may benefit if it participates in a campaign by noting increased productivity, less hangovers and a decreased absence rate during a morning shift."

The council is hoping that if major employers join the fight against drink driving, people will receive the life-saving safety messages at work as well as at home through television and radio adverts.

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

The council has also suggested that firms print a small, simple slogan on people's payslips during November and December to further emphasis the anti-drink drive message.

Ms Sheppard said: "There are lots of things employers can do to generally help their employees and potentially save a life.

"Event organisers could give a good quality non-alcoholic cocktail or drinks at Christmas lunches or dinners which could help dissuade drivers from drinking."