Staying safe whilst driving over Christmas

As Christmas approaches you will no doubt see many articles about careful driving over the holidays and the dangers of drink driving.

The scary fact is that on average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions.

The drink drive limit in England and Wales is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, or 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. However, alcohol affects people differently, it depends on your weight, age, sex and metabolism, the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking, what you’ve eaten recently and your stress levels at the time.

Due to all these different factors, it is best just to avoid drinking anything at all if you are planning on getting behind the wheel.

Did you know?

• You could lose your licence if you drive the next day and you’re still over the legal alcohol level.
• Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit carries a minimum 12 months driving ban, a maximum penalty of 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.

Christmas is a time for social gatherings and spending with your friends and family, if you feel like drinking then it’s a lot safer to just make alternative transport plans or pick a designated driver.

Stay safe this Christmas!