Drink driving
Despite significant progress over recent decades, drink driving remains a major road safety issue. In 2023, an estimated 260 people were killed and around 6,310 people were killed or injured in drink-drive collisions in Great Britain. It is not only drivers who are affected – passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and families can all suffer the consequences of a drink-drive crash.
How alcohol affects driving
Alcohol affects the skills needed to drive safely, even at levels below the legal limit. It can:
- Slow reaction times
- Reduce concentration and judgement
- Impair vision and hazard perception
- Increase risk-taking behaviour
- Affect co-ordination and vehicle control
Research shows that drivers with blood alcohol levels between 50mg and 80mg per 100ml of blood are significantly more likely to be involved in a collision than drivers who have consumed no alcohol.
The Drink Drive Limit
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the legal blood alcohol limit is:
- 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
In Scotland, the limit is lower:
- 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
However, there is no reliable way to know whether you are under the limit. The effects of alcohol vary depending on factors such as age, weight, sex, food consumption, medication and general health. The safest option is simple:
If you're driving, don't drink any alcohol.
The morning after risk
Alcohol can remain in your body for many hours after drinking. A person who drinks heavily in the evening can still be over the legal limit the following morning.
If you have consumed alcohol, especially late at night, consider whether you may still be affected before driving the next day.
Alcohol and medication
Alcohol can interact with many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including some herbal remedies.
Combining alcohol with medication can:
- Increase drowsiness
- Reduce concentration
- Slow reactions
- Affect your ability to drive safely
Always read medicine information carefully and seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure.
Penalties for drink driving
The UK has some of the toughest drink-driving penalties in Europe. Drivers convicted of drink-driving can face:
- A driving disqualification
- Fines
- A criminal record
- Imprisonment in serious cases
- Higher insurance costs after conviction
The consequences can be life-changing, both for offenders and for the victims of drink-drive collisions.
Preventing Drink Driving
Plan ahead
If you intend to drink alcohol:
- Arrange a designated driver
- Use public transport
- Book a taxi
- Stay overnight rather than driving
Don't guess
There is no quick way to sober up. Coffee, food, fresh air and energy drinks do not remove alcohol from your body. Only time does.
Consider others
Drink-driving puts everyone at risk, including passengers, other road users and pedestrians. Choosing not to drive after drinking protects both yourself and others.