Motorists Warned about Driving the Morning after Boozy Sessions
We all know drinking and driving is a dangerous and illegal combination, but are you aware of the dangers of driving the day after a heavy session in the pub? Experts are warning motorist to be aware of the "morning after" effect of excess drinking the night before.
Hangover Hell
Never mind suffering a blinding headache after a night out on the lash, there are much more serious implications of excess drinking, especially if you are considering taking to the wheel. According to statistics gathered by the Daily Mirror from 22 of the UK's 45 police forces, over a million people drive whilst still under the influence of alcohol consumed the night before. Between 2001 and 2012, there was a 4% increase from previous years in the number of drunk drivers stopped during the hours of 4am and 6am.
Ignorance Not an Excuse
Do you know how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body? Factors such as age, height and weight can affect how long it takes for your body to be alcohol free, but on average, it is advised that the body requires an hour to break down a single unit of alcohol. This means that if you drink six 250ml glasses of wine (19 units), you should wait around 19 hours to drive again. It was revealed that the average offender does drink around 19 units of alcohol, but instead of waiting, drives just ten hours after their final drink. Despite 46% of offenders interviewed admitting they had no idea how long it takes for alcohol to be broken down by the human body, campaigners and the police insist ignorance is not an excuse.
Paralympian Calls for Justice
After being seriously injured by a drunk driver in 2011, cyclist Simon Richardson missed out on competing in 2012's Paralympic Games. Richardson was hospitalised for a month due to his injuries and still uses a wheelchair. He believes drunk drivers should be named and shamed as a deterrent to others. Richardson suggests that if the names and faces of offenders were put in public places, such as on the side of buses, others would think twice about getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.
Fatalities
It is thought that around 3000 deaths occur in the UK each year due to drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road safety campaigners are urging drivers to abstain from alcohol altogether or to at least be aware of the legal limits when it comes to driving. At present, the legal limit in the UK is 35milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100millitres of blood. In other areas of Europe the limit can be less, with many insisting levels should be below 50milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Why are there limits?
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect the human body: hand – eye coordination can be impaired and you may find it takes longer to process information. In some cases you may experience blurred vision and slower reaction times. The best advice anyone can give you is, if you are driving, don't drink at all.
The Safest Options
If you have driven to your destination and have had too much to drink, use public transport or a taxi to get home – don't take any chances! It makes sense to organise your transport before you go for a night out, so why not arrange for a lift with a non-drinking friend? You can always return the favour should they ever need it.
Drink Driving Accident Claims
If you have been involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, or as result of a driver under the influence of alcohol, we may be able to help you claim compensation. Give us a call and see just how much you could claim.
Hangover Hell
Never mind suffering a blinding headache after a night out on the lash, there are much more serious implications of excess drinking, especially if you are considering taking to the wheel. According to statistics gathered by the Daily Mirror from 22 of the UK's 45 police forces, over a million people drive whilst still under the influence of alcohol consumed the night before. Between 2001 and 2012, there was a 4% increase from previous years in the number of drunk drivers stopped during the hours of 4am and 6am.
Ignorance Not an Excuse
Do you know how long it takes for alcohol to leave the body? Factors such as age, height and weight can affect how long it takes for your body to be alcohol free, but on average, it is advised that the body requires an hour to break down a single unit of alcohol. This means that if you drink six 250ml glasses of wine (19 units), you should wait around 19 hours to drive again. It was revealed that the average offender does drink around 19 units of alcohol, but instead of waiting, drives just ten hours after their final drink. Despite 46% of offenders interviewed admitting they had no idea how long it takes for alcohol to be broken down by the human body, campaigners and the police insist ignorance is not an excuse.
Paralympian Calls for Justice
After being seriously injured by a drunk driver in 2011, cyclist Simon Richardson missed out on competing in 2012's Paralympic Games. Richardson was hospitalised for a month due to his injuries and still uses a wheelchair. He believes drunk drivers should be named and shamed as a deterrent to others. Richardson suggests that if the names and faces of offenders were put in public places, such as on the side of buses, others would think twice about getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.
Fatalities
It is thought that around 3000 deaths occur in the UK each year due to drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Road safety campaigners are urging drivers to abstain from alcohol altogether or to at least be aware of the legal limits when it comes to driving. At present, the legal limit in the UK is 35milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100millitres of blood. In other areas of Europe the limit can be less, with many insisting levels should be below 50milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
Why are there limits?
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect the human body: hand – eye coordination can be impaired and you may find it takes longer to process information. In some cases you may experience blurred vision and slower reaction times. The best advice anyone can give you is, if you are driving, don't drink at all.
The Safest Options
If you have driven to your destination and have had too much to drink, use public transport or a taxi to get home – don't take any chances! It makes sense to organise your transport before you go for a night out, so why not arrange for a lift with a non-drinking friend? You can always return the favour should they ever need it.
Drink Driving Accident Claims
If you have been involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, or as result of a driver under the influence of alcohol, we may be able to help you claim compensation. Give us a call and see just how much you could claim.
