Drinking and driving

Traditionally, as the Christmas festivities draw near, we are reminded of the risks of drinking and driving. Nearly one in seven of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal limit.

Here are some of the facts:

Alcohol makes you less alert and even one drink affects your judgement. It becomes more difficult to judge distance and speeds clearly and it takes you longer to stop.
Even a single drink will affect your driving performance. A couple of drinks could take you over the legal limit and at twice the legal limit you're at least fifty times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Risks are even higher for young and inexperienced drivers or people not used to drinking.
It takes at least eight hours to get rid of the alcohol from four pints of normal strength beer. After a night's drinking you could still be over the limit when you drive to work in the morning. Nothing you can do will reduce the level of alcohol in your blood. Fresh air, exercise, Vitamin C or even a cold shower won't work! Black coffee may make you feel more alert, but it certainly won't sober you up.
Don't risk a short journey at night on quiet roads: 70% of all drink drive accidents occur within three miles of the start of the journey.
Alcohol affects people in different ways and it is impossible for you to judge your limit. There are many factors that will affect how quickly you reach the limit, such as age, sex, build, whether you've just eaten or not and the type of drink. Prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, antidepressants and sleeping tablets are also affected by alcohol. You can't work out your own limit so don't chance it.
The implications of a conviction for drink driving are great, even if a third person is not involved in an accident. As well as an automatic twelve months ban, you'll face a fine of up to £5000 and six months in prison. When you finally get your licence back, your insurance premiums will double or even treble for many years. Also, hiring a car could be very difficult for up to ten years. If you use your car for work, you could lose your job. If you kill someone, you face up to ten years in prison.

Christmas is full of temptations and most people drink more than ever at this time of year. It's difficult to say no, but saying yes is just not worth the risk. If you have a drink or drug problem then you may find these numbers helpful to contact:

The North East Council on Addiction, 1 Mosley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: 0191 222 1262
The Regional Alcohol and Drug Service, Carliol Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UR. Tel: 0191 219 5600. 24 hour Counselling Line Tel: 0191 219 5610.