Don’t drink-drive this Christmas – Automotive Weblog

Highway security and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Help is urging drivers to make security their precedence this Christmas and to not take any dangers by consuming alcohol.

The recommendation comes as figures present the variety of breath assessments performed by cops continues to say no. In 2021, the overall variety of assessments was 224,162, seven per cent decrease than in 2020, and simply 31.5 per cent of the assessments performed in 2009.

Nevertheless, 40,861 assessments had been constructive or refused – the very best proportion since 2003.

A mean of 220 individuals are killed within the UK by means of drink-driving annually, a determine that has remained largely unchanged since 2010.

“We urge everybody to respect the regulation and to grasp the numerous danger of selecting to flout it,” stated GEM chief govt Neil Price.

“Drink-drive deaths haven’t diminished for a decade now, and we consider there’s a want for decrease limits and a stronger security message.

“Anybody who believes it’s acceptable to drive after consuming alcohol is creating an pointless danger – for themselves, their households and for anybody who occurs to be sharing the street with them.”

The authorized restrict in England and Wales is 35 micrograms (µg) of alcohol per 100ml of breath. In Scotland, the restrict modified in December 2014 and is now 22µg. That is equal to a blood alcohol content material (BAC) of 0.8 in England and Wales and 0.5 in Scotland.

The penalty for a primary drink-driving offence is a minimal 12-month ban, a effective of as much as £2,500, and even a jail sentence of as much as six months. Refusal to offer a specimen carries the identical penalty.

Neil Price added: “In the event you’re going out for a number of drinks, then make preparations to get dwelling. A £20 taxi fare is unquestionably value each penny in your peace of thoughts. And in case you desire to drive, then keep on comfortable drinks. Don’t ever take a danger with drink-driving.”