You can drink, just don’t drive

 02 December 2011

 Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain's top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is giving advice for avoiding temptation in the Christmas period. IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: "Now is the time of festive fun and this often involves Christmas parties. If you're heading out for a few drinks, make sure you have planned your journey home."

Rodger offers tips on driving over the Christmas period:

• Don't try and calculate whether or not you are over the limit.

• Drinks poured at home are usually larger than pub measures.

• If you drive to a party and drink more than you expected to, don't risk it. Book yourself a taxi or arrange for a friend or family member to collect you from your location.

• A drinking session the night before might put you over the legal limit the following day. Keep this in mind and organise alternative travel plans for the next day.

• If you know someone has been drinking, don't let them give you a lift or drive home.

Rodger said: "Drinking and driving has serious consequences. It is not only about your safety, but other road users. It is not worth the risk."

To help drivers stay safe this winter, the IAM has launched a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts and tips on how to drive safely in winter.

Tips cover rain, snow, ice, fog and wind – everything you can expect in a typically unpredictable British winter. Check it out before you travel.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. www.drivingadvice.org.uk

2. Peter Rodger is the IAM's chief examiner

3. The IAM is the UK's largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

ENDS ALL

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