Making this mistake might cost you your driving licence this St Patrick’s Day
ST PATRICK’S DAY is celebrated by people across the UK with thousands of parties held for people to eat , drink and enjoy themselves but can easily be ruined if you decide to get behind the wheel after one too many drinks.
The Band of the Irish Guards' St Patrick's Day parade
Heavy drinkers and morning after drivers could cause a rise in the number of drink-driving incidents the day after the Irish national holiday.
Motorists caught by the police who are over the legal limit face imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban from driving.
To help drivers be safe this St Patrick's Day motor safety experts at IAM RoadSmart have provided some tips to help motorists this weekend.
Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards shares his expert advice:
Morning after drivers could cause a rise in the number of drink-driving incidents
If you do need to drive the following day you need to stop drinking earlier, better still, have another day off the roads
Don’t drink and drive
We recommend that you never drink and drive – not even after having one drink.
At just below the legal limit, you are four times more likely to be involved in a road crash than if you had not had a drink. So no alcohol at all is the best way to stay safe.
If you’re going out then leave your car at home
Avoid taking your vehicle out, even if you’re planning on leaving it parked overnight and taking another way home.
The more you drink, the more your attitude towards risk changes, which means you may be tempted to drive it home. Don’t risk it.
Plan your journey
Plan your route from A to B. This can be by train, taxi, bus or even a designated driver, but never your car. Even if you feel you have no way of getting home, it’s better to wake up a friend or family member to come and pick you up rather than get into your car.
We recommend that you never drink and drive – not even after having one drink
Count the number of drinks you have had
It’s a good idea to keep track of the number of drinks, and the type of drinks you’ve had during the evening as this can determine how long you need to leave it before your next drive the following day.
Don't believe the myths
Never believe the myths that sometimes float around about eating bread or a big breakfast to sober you up.
Yes it may give you more energy, and even ease the headache, but it definitely doesn’t help quicken the process of the alcohol leaving your system. So don’t let this false sense of security fool you.
Don't believe the myth that eating a big breakfast sobers you up
If a motorist is caught by the police driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink they face a possible 6 months prison sentence, an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least 1 year.
Richard Gladman said: “A designated driver is a great idea if you all take it in turns, remember to keep them topped up with soft drinks, after all a free cab home is a bargain. And don’t try to encourage them to just have one.
“If you do need to drive the following day you need to stop drinking earlier, better still, have another day off the roads.
“If you can manage it, the walk home often takes the edge off the hangover you have invested in. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend.”