Pubs re-open in England but leave your car or bike at home say IAM RoadSmart

As pubs and restaurants in England open for the first time in months, the UK’s leading independent road safety charity is reminding people to make wise choices and if they’re having a drink to leave their vehicle at home.

With nearly 4,000 people found to be drink-driving or riding when involved in reported accidents in 2018¹ and an estimated 8,700 people killed or injured where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit², IAM RoadSmart is reminding drivers and riders that drinking and driving has serious consequences for all road users.

Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM RoadSmart, is on hand with some useful tips to remember.

• A unit of alcohol takes at least an hour to pass through your system and a regular drink can contain a number of units depending on the ABV %. Always remember that home measures can be stronger so if you are planning to drink don’t play roulette, leave the car or bike at home.
• One in nine drivers who fail a breath test are caught the morning after. Think carefully about how much you plan on drinking beforehand as overindulging can have severe consequences the next morning.
• Don’t forget the legal limit in England and Wales is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, while the limit in Scotland is lower at 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. So even if you think you’re under the limit you may be well over – drink with caution, stay safe and leave the car or bike at home.
• With government still advising people to consider all other forms of transport such as cycling and walking, before using public transport, it would be recommended to visit your local pub for the time being.
• With social distancing and support bubbles remaining in place it’s important to remember that in England meeting outdoors in a group of up to six people with those you do not live with, should be done whilst observing social distancing guidelines.

Richard said: “If you are going to head out this weekend to celebrate the further relaxation of lockdown regulations in England, then it’s vital to plan your journey carefully. If you are intending to have an alcoholic drink, it's always recommended to give up driving or riding for the day. 

“Remember to include the next day in your abstinence from the car and bike keys if it was a heavy night. Make sure the night is memorable for the fun and good company, and not for the ride home from the police station.”

IAM RoadSmart run many rehabilitation courses around the country to offer education to those that have been convicted, while proactively informing drivers of the legal limits around drink driving and how consumption can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. Find out more by visiting www.iamroadsmart.com

ENDS

¹ Department for Transport

² Department for Transport