A new survey from charity organisation IAM Roadsmart suggests that half of motorists are prepared to get behind the wheel the morning after festive drinks or a Christmas party, increasing their chances of a drink driving accident or conviction.
When asked how many micrograms of alcohol are permitted in 100ml of breath before failing a roadside breath test, the average answer was 52mcg where the actual limit for drink driving is 35mcg, or 22mcg in Scotland.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Drinking and driving simply does not mix and every driver should plan to leave the keys at home rather than face a fine, lengthy ban or time in a police cell.
“Worryingly, the research also highlights that there is still real ignorance regarding how much alcohol is enough before it is illegal to drive.
“Although motorists may well think they know how many drinks will typically tip them over the limit, individual characteristics such as body weight, food consumption, gender and metabolism will also determine the reading.
“So, if you’re planning to drink alcohol at a Christmas celebration, do not try to calculate whether or not you are over the limit. It is always best to make it none for the road.”
Data obtained by the charity also found that police breathalysed just 252,069 drivers in 2020, down by 18% on the previous year and is a continuation of the downward trend since 2009 when officers conducted 703,490 breath tests.
While the number of tests completed has dropped, the proportion of drivers over the limit has increased, with 17.2% over the limit for drink driving making it the highest proportion since 2003.
Hunter Abbott, managing director of AlcoSense – a firm that manufactures personal breathalysers – said: “Separate Home Office figures show the number of dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales had dropped to 3,850 by March 2021 compared with 5,220 in 2015 – a dramatic reduction of 26%.
“With ever fewer traffic police, testing will continue to spiral downwards.”
Abbot said that people are drinking more alcohol, particularly at home, since the onset of the pandemic. He argues that police forces should step up their roadside testing given the risks of drink driving the morning after with alcohol still affecting motorists.
Public Health England recently highlighted a 25% increase in alcohol sales in shops and supermarkets in 2019 and 2020, indicative of a steep rise in home-based heavy drinking.
Abbot continued: “Even with 0.05mg/L of alcohol in breath (one-seventh of the English/Welsh limit) the driver is 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than when sober.”
IAM Roadsmart is calling on the government to introduce a range of smarter, long-term measures to help curb drink driving in the new year.
The charity has suggested a lower drink driving limit to reinforce better driving behaviour, introduce evidential roadside testing machines to free up police resources, as well as tailored approaches to help motorists with alcohol problems.
Greig concluded: “A prosecution for drink driving this month will not only ruin your Christmas but also impact the rest of your life through public humiliation, loss of job, family break up and a criminal record.
“At IAM RoadSmart we estimate that last drink that takes you over the limit could cost you up to £70,000. If that isn’t a sobering thought then nothing is.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
