Drink and Drug Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating consequences, including fatalities. The impact of such actions extends far beyond the individual, affecting families, friends, and the wider community.
Legal Limits:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
- 107 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine
It’s crucial to understand that being under the legal limit does not necessarily mean it is safe to drive. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and the rate at which it is processed can vary significantly from person to person. The only truly safe approach if you are driving is to avoid alcohol entirely.
Morning After Drinking:
Be cautious the morning after drinking, as it can take much longer than expected for alcohol to leave your body. On average, it takes roughly an hour to process a unit of alcohol, but this can vary based on numerous factors, including your body weight, metabolism, and the amount of food you have eaten. It is a common misconception that drinking water, coffee, or taking a shower can speed up the process. These methods do not eliminate alcohol from your system; only time can do that. If you have consumed a significant amount of alcohol, plan not to drive the next day to ensure you are completely sober.
Consequences of Being Caught:
The consequences of being caught drink or drug driving are severe:
- Criminal record
- License suspension
- Fine up to £10,000
- Minimum 12 month disqualification
- Requirement to re-sit your driving test
- Potential job loss
- Higher insurance premiums
- Difficulty hiring a car for ten years
These consequences not only impact your personal life but can also affect your professional and social standing.
Breath Testing:
You can be breath tested at any time, if you cannot provide a breath test, a blood test will be offered as an alternative.
Using Mobile Phone While Driving
Using a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous as it diverts your attention from the road. This distraction can easily lead to collisions and severe consequences, affecting not only your safety but also that of other road users. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can result in tragic outcomes.
Penalties for Mobile Phone Use While Driving:
- Fine up to £1,000
- Potential disqualification
Drivers are advised to put their phones away while driving to avoid distractions and ensure the safety of all road users. The safest practice is to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving or to use hands-free options if absolutely necessary.
Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of road traffic collisions. Driving at high speeds significantly reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. Moreover, the severity of collisions increases with speed, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities.
Penalties for Speeding:
- Fine up to £1,000
- Potential disqualification
It is crucial to adhere to speed limits and adjust driving speed according to road and weather conditions. This not only ensures your safety but also protects other road users. Remember, speed limits are set for a reason, and following them can prevent collisions and save lives.
Careless Driving
Careless driving encompasses a range of irresponsible behaviours on the road that can lead to serious collisions and fatalities. This includes actions such as risky overtaking, not paying attention to road signs, and distractions from mobile phones or other sources. Even momentary lapses in concentration can have catastrophic consequences.
Examples of Careless Driving:
- Risky overtaking and undertaking
- Not driving at an appropriate speed for conditions
- Distractions such as eating, drinking, and mobile phone use
- Lack of concentration or driving while fatigued
- Tailgating
- Ignoring road signs and signals
- Improper lane changes and failing to signal
Penalties for Careless Driving:
- Fine up to £10,000
- Potential disqualification
- License suspension
Careless driving not only endangers your life but also the lives of other road users and pedestrians. It is crucial to remain vigilant and attentive at all times while driving.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts are one of the most effective safety measures in vehicles, designed to keep occupants secure and reduce the severity of injuries in a collision. Not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Importance of Wearing Seatbelts:
- Seatbelts prevent occupants from being thrown from the vehicle in a collision
- They distribute the force of a collision across the stronger parts of the body
- Wearing a seatbelt doubles your chances of surviving a serious collision
Penalties for Not Wearing a Seatbelt:
- Fine up to £200
All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts. For children, appropriate car seats should be used until they reach 135cm in height or are 12 years old. Ensuring everyone in the vehicle is properly secured can prevent fatalities and severe injuries.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, we can all contribute to making our roads safer. Avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits, wearing seatbelts, and never driving under the influence are simple yet effective measures that can make a significant difference.