How long to drive again after a drink?

Figures about the drink drive prosecutions over Christmas are due out shortly and are expected to show that the problem is still a significant one on our roads.

Results from the festive crackdown are sure to re-ignite the debate about whether the drink drive limit in the UK (35mg alcohol/100ml breath) is too high.

A staggering fifty percent of Britain’s 32 million motorists have owned up to driving after having a drink, according to one survey last year.

The advice from the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) is clear: if you’re going to drive, don’t drink. And if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. It’s as simple as that.

“Just one” is often followed by another, especially if people are buying rounds of drinks. And a generous round-buyer may get you a large wine or a double measure of spirits without you realising it. A well-meaning gesture, but it could put you over the limit. And it’s not just a “festive thing” - the DfT advertising campaign regularly targets summer drink drivers.

Your ability to drive can be affected by even a modest amount of alcohol at any time of year. Even if you are actually within the limit, alcohol still affects your judgement.

Why not volunteer to be the (non-drinking) designated driver for the night? You’ll save money and you’ll be popular with everyone else you’re giving a lift home to.

You may think that after a long sleep and a large mug of coffee you’ll be all right to get behind the wheel, bright and early the next morning. That may not be the case: there could be sufficient alcohol still be in your system and it could be many more hours before you’re within the legal limit.

Remember to leave at least twelve hours between the “bottle” and the “throttle”.

This article has been reproduced with the permission of the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists)