Xmas driving: you know the drill

With Christmas fast approaching, it won’t be long before the latest drink driving ads hit our screens. They’re almost a part of the Christmas tradition nowadays and the good news is that they do seem to work. Having fallen dramatically throughout the 80s and 90s, the number of drink drivers being convicted over the Christmas period, has now been steady for a number of years - although it hasn’t fallen to the low levels that would ensure a happier Christmas for everyone.

There are of course a number of variables that have contributed to this reduction. One of the main factors is the fact that – unlike 20 years ago – drink driving is not considered in any way acceptable nowadays: the macho ‘O, I’ll be alright attitude’ is a thing of the past and peer pressure serves to keep most potential waverers on the straight and narrow.

If peer pressure isn’t enough on its own, then some of these drink driving facts also serve as an incentive to have drivers reaching for the taxi number, rather than their car keys:

• If you drive at twice the legal limit: you are 30 times more likely to have an accident.

• One in every six deaths on the road is caused by somebody over the legal limit (and that’s at any time of day – if you narrow it down to the ‘hotspot’ times for drink driving then that ratio is significantly higher).

• Insurance is typically three times higher for drink drivers following their ban.

• In ‘injury related accidents’ nearly three times as many men fail a breath test as women.

• Drink drivers are banned for at least 12 months and will receive a fine of up to £5000. You can also be sent to prison for up to six months.

• 10 people are killed on UK roads by drink drivers every week.

So, it is the season to be merry, and for Christmas parties and fun with friends and families, but you know the drill – go for one of these options:

• Always have a nominated driver if there are a few of you going out.

• Get a cab if you’re not sure whether you’re safe to drive.

• Arrange to stay over with friends.

• Get a cab out so you’re not tempted to drive back.

• Make use of services like Scooterman and get somebody else to drive you home...

And even if you’ve no intention of driving, remember that other people are also your responsibility: don’t buy a driver a drink, and don’t let anyone drive home if you know they’re over the limit.

Whereas –even a few years ago – people would generally ‘have a couple’ and expect to be ok, we are now much more aware of the fact that people are affected by alcohol in different ways and by different variables – the best way to be sure that you’re safe is not to drink anything.

Then you’re guaranteed to have a Happy Christmas!