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Business car drivers fail morning-after breath test

IT might be the season to be merry, but many drivers are taking this too literally.

The Christmas period is a key time for socialising and Christmas parties.

But the number of drivers being caught over the limit the day after is on the rise, says the road safety charity Brake – which could have a dramatic effect on the small business with limited sales staff numbers on the road.

Research by Brake along with insurer Direct Line has revealed almost four in 10 motorists are risking lives by driving first thing after drinking excessively the night before.

It appears that drivers remain unaware of the length of time alcohol stays in the body. For example, the research found that 38% of drivers and motorcyclists admitted to driving the morning after a heavy night. This is more than a 30% increase compared to seven years ago, when 28% admitted to doing so.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: “Many drivers seem to be oblivious of the risks of driving in the morning, after drinking the night before. The effect of alcohol on driving ability lasts much longer than a couple of hours after drinking.”

Mr Golby added: “Motorists who have drunk excessive amounts may not feel drunk and may not to be able to smell drink on their breath, however, they are still a danger to pedestrians and other road users. With this period being the busiest for festive parties, we are urging people not to drink if they’re driving, and not to drive if they are drinking.”

Drink-drivers are responsible for one in six deaths on British roads said Brake. In 2009 there were seven drink-drive deaths and 28 serious injuries every week.

Brake said that research showed even very small amounts of alcohol could affect drivers’ ability to drive safely.

The charity suggested that business car drivers enjoying seasonal festivities should get home by using public transport, booking a taxi or having a designated driver who doesn’t drink, and stay off the alcohol if they need to drive early the next day.

Julie Townsend, Brake’s campaigns director, commented: “A shocking proportion of drivers seem unaware of the dangers of driving the morning after a heavy night, or even small quantities of alcohol. We’re appealing to everyone to stay safe over the festive season by planning ahead – make sure you can get home safely, and stay off the booze if you’re driving home or early the next day.”

Brake said that there was no sure-fire way of knowing exactly how long it takes to sober up after drinking. However, Brake suggests as a guide you should allow at least an hour to absorb alcohol, plus at least one hour for every unit consumed for your body to rid itself of alcohol.

For example, Ms Townsend suggested, if you finish three pints of strong lager or one bottle of 12% ABV wine (both nine units) at 11pm, you may not be rid of alcohol until at least 9am the next day; it could take much longer depending on factors such as your weight.

“Coffee, food and sleep don’t make you sober up any faster; it just takes time,” added Ms Townsend.

Further information

We have useful advice for small businesses to steer your company successfully through the festive season in our article Christmas tips for small businesses.

Photo credit: courtesy www.freefoto.com.

831_DrinkDrive246x155
Morning after drinking: beginning to rise says Brake

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30 November 1999

Northumbrian police at accident scene. Photo: www.freefoto.com
Morning after drinking: beginning to rise says Brake

IT might be the season to be merry, but many drivers are taking this too literally.

The Christmas period is a key time for socialising and Christmas parties.

But the number of drivers being caught over the limit the day after is on the rise, says the road safety charity Brake – which could have a dramatic effect on the small business with limited sales staff numbers on the road.

Research by Brake along with insurer Direct Line has revealed almost four in 10 motorists are risking lives by driving first thing after drinking excessively the night before.

It appears that drivers remain unaware of the length of time alcohol stays in the body. For example, the research found that 38% of drivers and motorcyclists admitted to driving the morning after a heavy night. This is more than a 30% increase compared to seven years ago, when 28% admitted to doing so.

DRINK-DRIVING rates rise in morning after breath tests says safety charity Brake.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: “Many drivers seem to be oblivious of the risks of driving in the morning, after drinking the night before. The effect of alcohol on driving ability lasts much longer than a couple of hours after drinking.”

Mr Golby added: “Motorists who have drunk excessive amounts may not feel drunk and may not to be able to smell drink on their breath, however, they are still a danger to pedestrians and other road users. With this period being the busiest for festive parties, we are urging people not to drink if they’re driving, and not to drive if they are drinking.”

Drink-drivers are responsible for one in six deaths on British roads said Brake. In 2009 there were seven drink-drive deaths and 28 serious injuries every week.

Brake said that research showed even very small amounts of alcohol could affect drivers’ ability to drive safely.

The charity suggested that business car drivers enjoying seasonal festivities should get home by using public transport, booking a taxi or having a designated driver who doesn’t drink, and stay off the alcohol if they need to drive early the next day.

Julie Townsend, Brake’s campaigns director, commented: “A shocking proportion of drivers seem unaware of the dangers of driving the morning after a heavy night, or even small quantities of alcohol. We’re appealing to everyone to stay safe over the festive season by planning ahead – make sure you can get home safely, and stay off the booze if you’re driving home or early the next day.”

Brake said that there was no sure-fire way of knowing exactly how long it takes to sober up after drinking. However, Brake suggests as a guide you should allow at least an hour to absorb alcohol, plus at least one hour for every unit consumed for your body to rid itself of alcohol.

For example, Ms Townsend suggested, if you finish three pints of strong lager or one bottle of 12% ABV wine (both nine units) at 11pm, you may not be rid of alcohol until at least 9am the next day; it could take much longer depending on factors such as your weight.

“Coffee, food and sleep don’t make you sober up any faster; it just takes time,” added Ms Townsend.

Further information on drink driving

We have useful advice for small businesses to steer your company successfully through the festive season in our article Christmas tips for small businesses.

Photo credit: courtesy www.freefoto.com.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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