I tried out Cambridgeshire Police's beer goggles to find out how it feels to drive after taking drink or drugs

The start of a major football tournament such as the Euros or the World Cup is a joyous time for many and with that comes the opportunity to enjoy drinking with your mates while watching the games.

With many games at this tournament kicking off well into the evening and night, due to the time zones in Mexico, Canada and the USA, pubs and beer gardens are set to be full to excited fans and who knows, maybe even England finally bringing it home…

While having a good time and enjoying the World Cup is encouraged, Cambridgeshire Police are on high alert to catch potential drink drivers as well as trying to educated residents in order to keep a handle on the issue.

Data from previous tournaments, shows that Cambridgeshire Police often catch more drivers out when major sporting events are on.

During Euro 2024, the force arrested 94 people on suspicion of drink and drug driving offences, 16 more than during the same period in 2025.

In the words of Cambridgeshire Police’s Casualty Reduction Officer, PC Adrian Boddington, “We want people to enjoy this tournament but you need to do it within the law.”

PC Boddington was speaking at the launch of a drink driving awareness event on Friday (June 12) where the force brought along goggles to simulate what it is like trying to carry out activities while under the influence of drink and drugs.

The PT went along and stayed well clear of the roads but did get the opportunity to try and play football while wearing the goggles.

The goggles simulates the effects of driving while under the influence and even made the simple acts of kicking a ball or just catching it almost impossible.

The goggles take away almost all sense of depth perception, ability see all of your surroundings clearly and has you seeing double.

As you can see from the video of penalty attempt in this story, the thought of driving a car is such a state is scary.

Speaking more about the force’s push to deal with drink driving, PC Boddington said: “Many people do associate watching the football with having a drink of alcohol and that’s perfectly fine, we want people to enjoy this tournament but you need to do it within the law.

“Unfortunately, drink and drug driving is always a problem. We really want people to consider what they are doing and to plan.

“If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver, book a taxi, stay in a hotel. Even talk to your employer, see if you can start work later or take a day off and look after each other when you are out and about drinking.

“Drugs stay in your system for a very long time, we are talking days and weeks. We are very clear, we do not condone illegal drug use but if you do use illegal drugs, don’t drive.

“We tell people to think about the consequences. Being caught drink or drug driving is going to be at least a 12 month ban, an unlimited fine, it will affect foreign travel and your insurance costs are going to become really high when you come off your disqualification.

“In a more serious way, you could hurt yourself or worse, you could kill somebody then everything will unravel around you.”

Anyone who sees or knows of someone is asked to call 999 in the moment but can also contact the force on a confidential number of 0800 032 0845.