Drivers are being urged not to drink and drive and also to think about the morning after. Safer Roads Humber say that one-fifth of drivers when tested are over the limit the morning after.
Humberside Police are already out and about doing drink driving checks. These are happening at all times of the day and night.
With more drivers found to be over the limit in the morning, Safer Roads Humber are funding extra morning patrols in the area.
Safer Roads Humber say that very few people know how many units are in their drinks. They also say it becomes very hard to keep track of how much alcohol people have drunk.
In a statement released they said;
“It takes at least one hour for the body to process each unit of alcohol. This is calculated from when you stop drinking.”
“However, as very few people know how many units are in their drinks, it becomes very hard to keep track of how much alcohol you’ve had.”
“For example, four pints of ordinary strength bitter takes at least 11 hours to be processed by the body from when you stop drinking.”
“A bottle of wine takes at least 13 hours, while three double gins takes nine hours. Furthermore, these calculations are based on how long a healthy, fit person takes to process alcohol.”
“It could take longer for the body to be clear of alcohol if you’re feeling tired, unwell or are on medication.”
“As it takes such a long time for the body to be clear of alcohol, some people may not realise that they can still be impaired the Morning After.”
Plan Ahead To Avoid Being Over The Drink Driving Limit The Morning After
Driving while still under the influence impacts all the key skills needed to drive a vehicle safely. Safer Roads Humber are urging everyone to plan ahead if they are going out during the festive period, they said;
“We thank all those people who arrange safe transport home from a night. However, we urge them to think about what they need to do the next morning.”
“If you need to drive the next day think about using public transport, getting a lift, walking or postponing your journey.”
“It doesn’t matter if you have a good night’s sleep, a shower or a big breakfast in the morning. Time is the only way for your body to be clear of alcohol.”
“If you are found over the limit the next morning, you could still lose your licence, be fined and end up with a criminal record. It’s just not worth it.”
In the UK almost 4,000 people a year are badly injured on the roads due to drink driving. On average 940 people are killed because of drink driving.
While the number of people who are prosecuted for drink driving has fallen many people still choose to do it. Men are also more likely than women to get behind the wheel after a drink. Figures show four times as many men are prosecuted than women.
