It is not safe to drink and drive under any circumstances. Drinking alcohol impairs your ability to drive by affecting your reaction times, judgment, and coordination. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and highly dangerous, not only to yourself but also to others on the road. Licensing Professionals have compiled the following key points in relation to drink driving:
Legal Limits: In England, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is:
35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath.
80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood.
107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of urine.
However, it needs to be remembered that even small amounts of alcohol can affect an individuals driving ability, so it's best not to drive at all if you've been drinking.
Penalties for Drink-Driving:
Fines: Of up to £2,500
Driving Ban: You could be banned from driving for at least 12 months.
Imprisonment: You could face up to 6 months in prison.
Criminal Record: A drink-driving conviction could result in a criminal record, which can have long-term consequences for employment, travel, and insurance.
Risks to Safety:
Accidents: Alcohol impairs your ability to react quickly and make good decisions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Fatalities: Drink-driving represents about 17 percent of all fatal road accidents. (www.gov.uk)
By driving under the influence, you put your life and the lives of others at serious risk.
Alternatives to Driving:
Designated Driver: If you're planning to drink, arrange for a designated driver who will remain sober.
Public Transport: Use taxis, buses, or trains to get home safely.
Rideshare Services: Services like Uber is a convenient options for getting home after drinking.
Stay Over: If possible, arrange to stay overnight at a friend's house or in nearby accommodation.
Licensee Responsibility:
Duty of Care: Licensed premises have a duty of care to their customers and should actively discourage drink-driving. This might involve offering information about local taxi services, providing non-alcoholic drink options, or promoting designated driver schemes.
Refusal of Service: In some cases, staff at licensed premises are trained to refuse service to individuals who they believe are planning to drive and have already consumed alcohol.
So, is it safe to drink and drive?
In summary, it is never safe to drink and drive, and doing so can have severe legal and personal consequences. If you've been drinking, find an alternative way to get home to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
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