Dying for a drink?

Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger, is giving timely and seasonal advice on avoiding the consequences of intoxication behind the wheel this Christmas.

IAM (Institute of Advanced Motoring) chief examiner Peter said: “This time of year brings with it brandy pudding, mulled wine and Christmas parties. If you’re heading out for a few drinks, make sure you have planned your journey home before you start, so that you don’t drive after a drink.”

Rodger’s tips on driving over the Christmas period include -

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* Don’t try and calculate whether or not you have consumed enough to tip you over the drink-drive limit – it’s almost impossible to get right

* Drinks poured at home are usually larger than pub measures – don’t underestimate how much you’ve had.

* If you drive to a party and drink when you didn’t expect to, don’t risk it. Get a taxi or the bus, or arrange for a friend or family member to collect you.

* If you are involved in a road accident you will be breathalysed even if it wasn’t your fault – don’t risk it, or somebody else’s mistake could become your problem.

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* A drinking session the night before can easily put you over the limit the following morning. Organise alternative travel plans for the next day.

* If you know someone has been drinking, don’t let them give you a lift or drive home.

As well as the danger, the overall cost to an individual is estimated to be £50,000 if you are convicted, through job loss and all the other consequences.

Pub measures of wine have got bigger, and drinks have got stronger over the years. Don’t be fooled by “one glass is OK” - it may well be too much.

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Rodger said: “Driving is not a good mixer – it doesn’t go well with spirits, beer or wine. Either drink or drive – you cannot do both. Be rigid – people will respect you for not mixing the two things.”

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