IT’S ALREADY BEGUN, AND will only get worse: police forces across the country have embarked on the latest seasonal drink-drive enforcement campaigns. seniordriveraus suggests that all drivers should plan their journeys and celebrate the festive season safely.
The message is clear: alcohol impairs judgement, and driving after drinking even a small amount of alcohol raises every driver’s risk of being involved in a collision.
Plan head: travel tips for the Christmas party season:
- Pre-book taxis and make sure you have their phone number or app – and ensure your phone is fully charged before you go out.
- If you’re using public transport, check the times of buses and trains, and keep an eye open for last-minute cancellations.
- Share the cost of soft drinks for the designated driver in your group. The good news is that the selection of delicious no-alcohol beers, ciders and mocktails has improved dramatically in recent years.
- Think about the ‘morning after’ as well. If you’ve had a few drinks and you need to get somewhere the next day, use public transport, taxis or organise a lift.
- If you’re out with someone who’s planning to drive after drinking, then try to talk them into sharing a taxi. If this doesn’t work tell the bar staff or call 999 and ask for the police.
Alcohol myth-busters…
I’ll be OK after a good night’s sleep
Not necessarily. Between 15 and 20 percent failed breath tests are from people who get behind the wheel the morning after drinking alcohol.
One drink means one ‘unit’ of alcohol
Wrong, so counting the glasses you’ve had at the pub, at a party or at home is not a reliable indicator of how much alcohol you have consumed.
Coffee will sober me up after a few drinks
Wrong. You may feel more alert, as coffee is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. But you’ll still have the same amount of alcohol in your system, however much coffee you drink.
Eating a heavy meal means I can’t get drunk
Wrong. Food doesn’t prevent alcohol from being absorbed… it can slow the process down, but you’ll still have the alcohol in your system.
I won’t be impaired until I’ve had a lot to drink
Wrong. Even small amounts will impair your judgement. Impairment starts with your very first drink.
I’ll see how I feel later before deciding whether to drive or not
Wrong: plan early how you’re going to get home. Decide where you can safely leave your car, book taxis, or agree that you’ll stay on soft drinks. We tend not to make our wisest decisions when we’re a little merry – or worse.