Dorset Police warn about drink driving the morning after
One in five drink[1] drive arrests happen the ‘morning after’, according to Dorset Police. On average, it takes the body around one hour to process each unit of alcohol, though this can vary from person to person. A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “If you had a heavy night last night, it’s likely you’ll still be over the limit this morning.
“If you’re unsure, don’t take the risk.” Vision Zero South West, a group run by emergency services and local authorities to combat drink driving, has issued a “quick calculator” which may help you to work out when you can get behind the wheel again. It says after two beers or two wines as part of a “casual drink”, it should take seven hours before you can drive.
If you have a “night out” of four or more alcoholic beverages, it may take 12 hours before you should drive again. After a “heavy night”, it may take up to 19 hours before the alcohol is out of your system and you can be safe to drive again. This is suggested guidance from the group and factors including age, weight, sex and metabolism can vary for different people.
A spokesperson for Vision Zero South West said: “If you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road. “A drink drive conviction could cost up to GBP70,000 as a result of fines, solicitors fees, increase in the cost of car insurance, and losing a job.” In a bid to lower drink driving cases, Dorset Police recently announced the return of their “Lift Legend”[2] campaign – offering free drinks to designated drivers.
Designated drivers can claim free drinks at 70 pubs and clubs across Dorset.
Participating venues can be found on dorset.police.uk/LiftLegend[3]
References
- ^ drink (www.bournemouthecho.co.uk)
- ^ eturn of their “Lift Legend” (www.dorsetecho.co.uk)
- ^ dorset.police.uk/LiftLegend (dorset.police.uk)