We are now in the midst of the Christmas party season, and it can be tempting to get behind the wheel after an evening out or perhaps set off early the next morning after a particularly boozy evening.

England and Wales have the highest drink-drive limit in Europe which cannot be very sensible. Charities such as Brake, call upon drivers to commit to stay stone cold sober if driving home from Christmas festivities – not a drop, not a drag – or plan how you will get home by taxi or public transport, to prevent devastating casualties.

Drug driving, a growing menace, is estimated to cause a further 200 deaths each year.

Brake has also called for a zero-tolerance drink drive limit of 20mg alcohol per 100ml blood, in line with evidence that even one drink dramatically increases the risk of a crash and to send a clear message that it should be none for the road!

The current limit is 80mg and it is interesting to note that Scotland has reduced it limits to 50mg, a step in the right direction.

We are appealing to the government to take action on drink driving. We have the highest drink-drive limit in Europe, sending out the dreadful message that a drink or two before driving is acceptable. The evidence shows that tougher laws and enforcement would help prevent casualties.

Hard Facts
One in six deaths on UK roads are caused by drink drivers over the legal limit
Drivers with even 20-50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood are 3x more likely to die in a crash than those with no alcohol in their blood

Consequences of a conviction
A criminal record
A minimum 12 months driving ban (3 years if a second offence)
The possibility of a prison sentence
A hefty fine (can be up to £5,000)
Your car insurance premiums will be much higher when you get your licence back
A drink drive (DR10) endorsement stays on your licence for 11 years

There are further less obvious consequences of a drink drive conviction.
Possibility of losing your job, with associated financial worries
Difficulty finding a new job as a result of having a criminal conviction
Loss of independence and freedom
Difficulty in getting a travel visa for certain countries, the USA in particular

In this party season, it is also important to remember that alcohol stays in the bloodstream for some considerable time and that you may still be over the limit when driving to work on the morning after a night out. On average it takes about an hour for your body to break down one unit of alcohol.

However, this can vary, depending on:
Your weight
Whether you are male or female
Your age
Your metabolism
How much food you have eaten
The type and strength of the alcohol
Whether you are taking any medication

How much is one unit?

One unit is equivalent to 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. There are roughly:
2.1 units in a standard glass (175ml) of average-strength wine (12%)
3 units in a large glass (250ml) of wine
2 units in a pint of low-strength beer or cider (3.6%)
3 units in a pint of higher-strength beer or cider (5.2%)
I unit in a single measure of spirits (25ml)

The message must be clear. Driving and alcohol do not mix!