No Safe Limit
Every week in the UK, 10 people will die as a result of drink-driving. So with such fatal consequences, why do people drink and drive?
Whether it’s because the taxi queue is too long, or it’s cheaper to take your own car, it’s never a good idea to drive after you’ve had alcohol. Even if you think ‘one won’t hurt’, you could still be over the limit.
Different drinks contain different alcohol content, so some will have more of an effect than others. Its effect also depends on things like your body size, whether you’ve eaten, your metabolism and how used you are to alcohol, all of which can make drinking guidelines confusing. So, if you’re unsure how much you’ve had, don’t drive.
How much is too much?
35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.
Alcohol is a depressant so it slows down the brain and body’s reactions. It can affect balance and give you blurred vision; not to mention the vomiting and hangover that could follow.
Police can carry out a roadside breath test to check whether you are over the limit. They can breathalise anyone who they think has had too much alcohol, is committing a (moving) traffic offence, or has been involved in a road accident – however small. If you refuse to take the test, you could end up with a heavy fine and points on your license.
If you’re caught drink driving you could face a one year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months imprisonment.
You’ve had hours of driving lessons and probably several nights in learning the Highway Code and just one drink too many could ruin it all. Is it really worth it?
If you’re planning a night out:
decide who’s going to drive and make sure they don’t drink any alcohol, or;
make alternative arrangements to get home - a taxi or train, but;
whatever you do, don’t get in a car with someone who has been drinking.