“Highly visible police activity is as important as ever to remind UK drivers that drinking and driving don’t mix,” says Neil Greig, Director of the IAM Motoring Trust, in welcoming the start of the police Christmas anti drink-drive campaign.
“News bulletins showing flashing blue lights and police breath testing drivers are a powerful reminder to the majority of responsible drivers not to be tempted to drive after drinking, for example, taking the car home from the station after drinks after work.”
The vast majority of drivers now believe drinking and driving to be socially unacceptable. But in the long run-up to Christmas, daily routines can change, sometimes unexpectedly. Festive occasions with colleagues, friends and family can place those who would not normally drink and drive in tricky situations. Many of us will face these dilemmas but it’s crucial to decide firmly at the outset either not to drink or to leave the car where it is.
The wrong decision can bring instant justice, as the police can haul you into court the next day for a fine and a year’s driving ban and, if you cause a fatal or serious accident, a prison sentence. Then there are the less formal penalties, such as the huge inconvenience of being carless, the possibility of losing your job and the social stigma of a criminal record. Finally, once you get back on the road again, you face many years with sky-high insurance costs.
The IAM Trust’s advice is simple, says Greig, “If you drink, don’t drive; if you are driving, don’t drink. And always refuse a lift from someone you know has been drinking.”
Other points:
- even one drink can reduce your determination not to drive
- at parties, drinks measures will be more generous than those served in pubs
- you face being breathalysed if you are involved in a road accident, even if it is not your fault
- as you make your way home without the car, remember that a high proportion of road accidents involve pedestrians who have been drinking
- drinking heavily the night before can put you over the legal limit the morning after
Media Contacts
Neil Greig 020 8996 9772 neil.greig@iamtrust.org.uk
Barry Walsh 020 8996 9776 barry.walsh@iamtrust.org.uk
Notes to editors
Casualty figures reflect a dramatic change in public attitudes to drinking and driving in the UK during the past 25 years. In 1980, 1450 road users were killed in crashes involving drunken drivers, last year 540 were killed. Annually around 90,000 drivers are still convicted for driving over the legal limit
