Be a friend not a foe this Christmas

The build-up to Christmas is busy with parties, lunches, and festive nights out with friends and family. However, earlier this month we carried out a national survey of UK drivers which revealed some shocking attitudes towards drink and drug driving.

According to our latest research, more than a quarter (27%) of drivers think there are circumstances when it’s okay to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and only 69% of people would stop a colleague from getting behind the wheel if they were under the influence.

Half (49%) of people polled wouldn’t stop their parents from driving, and almost a third (28%) would not feel comfortable trying to stop their spouse or partner. So, what steps can you take to ensure your night doesn’t end in despair?

Top tips this festive period

• Who is your designated driver?

This refers to a person selected to stay sober for the evening and drive everyone home safely. Ply them with free soft drinks all night and help them with none for the road.

• Can you pre-book a taxi?

There are plenty of ride share apps and local taxi ranks ready to get you to your destination. It’s also a money saver if you share the cab with friends.

• Can you walk to the venue?

If you wrap up warm, there’s nothing to stop you from heading out on foot, knowing you don’t have to worry about finding the money for a taxi at the end of what can be an expensive night.

• Can you persuade someone who’s about to drink or drug drive, to get home safely by other means?

If persuasion doesn’t work, you can report a drink driver to police who can then try and stop them.

• Will food help to sober me up so I can drive?

Eating food won’t help you absorb alcohol faster; in fact, it can slow it down. Alcohol is absorbed into the body via the small intestine, not the stomach. So, if you’ve eaten it will take longer for the alcohol to reach your intestine. While, eating a kebab or pizza after a night out drinking won’t soak up the alcohol consumed, eating a meal prior to, or alongside drinking, slows the rate in which the alcohol is absorbed. Any slowing of the rate of alcohol consumption is likely to extend the time until you are safe. An hour per unit is a rule of thumb, and remember strong drinks contain more units.

• Can you drive the morning after?

It’s not just the night before that you need to be sensible about and plan. When you get up the next day you’ll need to know if you’re fit to drive. Do you know how long it takes before alcohol is at a low enough level for you to drive? There is a calculator here (for England and Wales) and here (for Scotland), but rather than wait until the next morning, have a look now, you will probably be shocked! Every drop counts and if you don’t count the alcohol, you’ll be counting the cost!

IAM RoadSmart maintains there is no safe limit as to when a small amount of alcohol becomes risky. Alcohol affects different people in different ways depending on a variety of factors, not least age and build. Remember stick to #Nonefortheroad

Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy, and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said:

“IAM RoadSmart is reminding people that consuming alcohol or taking illegal drugs and driving don’t mix and ruins lives. Those attending a celebration or gathering where they plan on drinking should make sure they look at alternative travel arrangements such as nominating a designated driver, using public transport where possible, and taxi sharing.

“We are urging the Government to put resources into tackling the real problem areas – young drivers, those with alcohol or drug problems and those who simply don’t believe they will ever get caught.

“The best way to catch those who ignore the limit is through intelligence-led high profile policing so investment in roads policing must be protected. The reality of being caught must be matched in education campaign messaging.”