Drink and Drug Driving - The Risks

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect your driving in numerous ways.

The legal limit in the UK for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. However there is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and stay under the limit, since it can depend on other factors such as your weight, age, metabolism and the amount of food you have eaten. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol altogether when driving.

Motorists also need to be wary of getting behind the wheel when taking prescription drugs and medication. Many prescribed medications and over the counter drugs can impair your ability to drive. You should always follow the safety advice provided with prescription drugs and avoid driving if recommended.

Some drink and drug driving facts:

• Alcohol affects your ability to drive safely as your reaction times are impaired and you are unable to judge speed and distances.
  
• It is impossible to try and get alcohol out of your system quickly - it always takes time. A shower, a cup of coffee or other ways of 'sobering up' will not work.
• If you have been out drinking you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.
  
• Illegal substances and even some over the counter drugs can impair your driving in numerous ways, including:
  
• Slower reaction times
  
• Poor concentration
  
• Erratic behaviour
  
• Nausea
  
• Hallucinations
  
• Aggression
  
• Panic attacks and paranoia
  
• Tremors
  
• Dizziness