We all know it’s unsafe and against the law, but many of us do it anyway. Some of us take a chance, because we’ve never done it before, whilst others do it alarmingly regularly – driving while under the influence of alcohol. There is probably not a country in the world where drinking and driving is not classed as a criminal offence. So, if you have done it before, you are a criminal.
Statistics prove that accidents and deaths caused by drunk drivers are still too high
So just how much is too much?
Every country has its laws and its own legal alcohol limit. It has been scientifically proven that women, metabolise alcohol faster and will therefore reach their limit faster but each individual is unique; we are all affected by alcohol differently. There are also no quick-fix remedies to sober you up before you decide to drive your car. Only time filters the alcohol out of your bloodstream.
Some people drink so much that even when you drive to work the next day you may still be over the legal limit.
Scientists have evaluated the effect alcohol has on your ability to drive whilst under the influence. Your judgment, reflexes, co-ordination and your vision are affected – these are all necessary for safe driving. There is a limitation on your ability to judge distances, your peripheral vision is commonly impaired and your reactions to an emergency situation are considerably slower.
Then there is the expense. Any insurance company reserves the right to refuse payment of a claim if you are found guilty of drunk driving. The insurance company may even consider you a high risk and discontinue your cover. At best, your premium could increase dramatically.
But it is the cost to human life that is the highest and most heart-breaking. If you drink drive you could be the cause of not only your own death, but also that of other innocent people (including your own, or someone else’s, children). If you survive but kill someone else in the process, how would you live with the guilt?
There have been advances in testing equipment which is making it easier for police to prove that a driver is drunk. There will be legal costs and even a suspension of your driver’s license, which can have a crippling effect on your life. Your car may be impounded and without a license you are not allowed to drive anyway.
So is it possible for you to still have fun?
Absolutely! Appoint a designated driver, catch a taxi, call your mother if you have to but just make sure that you don’t become a statistic and that you don’t make someone else a statistic too.