A motoring expert is warning Brits the importance of road safety as the vibrant festival season approaches. Mike Lowdon, a motoring safety expert at Zego says “it’s crucial to remember the importance of road safety, particularly when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving.”
The Risks of Driving the Day After Drinking
One common misconception is that the effects of alcohol dissipate quickly. Many festival-goers believe that after a night of drinking, they are fit to drive the following morning. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Alcohol can remain in your system longer than you might expect, impairing your ability to drive safely and increasing the risk of accidents.
Legal Limits and Penalties
In the UK, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. However, even small amounts of alcohol can affect your driving skills, including your reaction time, coordination, and judgement.
Driving with a BAC above the legal limit can result in severe penalties, including:
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- A criminal record
- A fine of up to £2,500
- Between 3 to 11 penalty points on your driving licence
- Up to 6 months in prison
Moreover, these penalties can have long-term consequences, such as increased car insurance premiums, difficulty in securing certain jobs, and the social stigma attached to a criminal record.
The Morning After: A Hidden Danger
Even if you feel fine the morning after drinking, there’s a significant chance that you could still be over the legal limit. For instance, if you finish drinking at midnight and then drive at 8 AM, your body may not have had enough time to metabolise the alcohol. This can leave you impaired and at risk of committing a drink-driving offence.
Tips for Staying Safe During Festival Season
To ensure that you and others remain safe on the roads during the festival season, consider the following tips:
Plan Ahead: Arrange alternative transportation options such as taxis, public transport, or designated drivers who will not be drinking.
Stay Overnight: If possible, book accommodation near the festival site. This will allow you to rest and sober up fully before driving.
Use Breathalysers: Personal breathalysers can help you gauge whether you are safe to drive. However, they are not foolproof, and it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Know Your Limits: Understand how much alcohol you can consume without exceeding the legal limit. This varies depending on factors such as your weight, age, gender, and metabolism.
Hydrate and Eat: Drinking water and eating food can help your body process alcohol more efficiently, though it won’t speed up the rate at which your body eliminates alcohol.
Be Honest with Yourself: If you have any doubts about your sobriety, don’t risk it. Find another way to get home.
Motoring expert Mike Lowdon, from Zego Car Insurance says:
Festival season is a time for fun and celebration, but it’s vital to prioritise safety and responsibility. Driving the day after drinking poses significant risks, not only to yourself but to others on the road. By planning ahead, being aware of the legal limits, and understanding the potential consequences, you can enjoy your summer festivals without compromising on safety.
credit, https://www.zego.com/young-driver-insurance/
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