The UK Government has launched its new THINK! campaign this month to target those who still think that it’s okay to have a few drinks then sit behind the wheel of a car. The associated research shows that a small number (just 1 in 10) of us would take the risk of driving after having two or more alcoholic drinks.
These figures are promising, but one drunk driver out of 10 is still one too many!
Official reports show that on average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions – that’s 57 people per week, 8 people per day. A huge number of fatal or serious injuries.
The new Think! campaign highlights the stark fact that just a second drink can double your chance of being involved in a fatal accident.
The best and safest option is to not drink and drive at all, as the legal limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is tiny, just 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood and 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
But this the LEGAL limit and no indication of a SAFE limit, which actually depends on numerous factors:
• Your weight
• Your age
• Your sex
• Your metabolism
• Type and amount of alcohol
• The amount of food in your stomach
• Stress levels
I will therefore repeat that the safest option is to decide to NOT drink and drive.
If (or when) you get caught drinking and driving above the legal limit you could face a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to £5000 and a maximum 12 months driving ban as well as a criminal record. Any endorsement for a drink driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and please remember the legal consequences of being convicted of drunk driving.
