Van Driver Toolkit – Drink Driving
Did you know?
- A driver could be imprisoned, banned from driving, and face a fine if found guilty of drink-driving.
- A driver could be charged with driving while unfit even if they are not over the limit.
- The only thing that eliminates alcohol from the body is time and the average person will metabolise around 1 unit of alcohol per hour.
A drink drive conviction means…
- A mandatory driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years). An offence which stays on your licence for 11 years
- You could also be given:
- 6 months in prison.
- an unlimited fine.
A conviction for drink driving also means:
- a big increase in vehicle insurance.
- difficulty travelling to countries like the USA.
- an employer will see the conviction on the driving licence.
More Info
Drinking alcohol affects a driver’s eye, hand, and foot coordination. It impairs reaction time, coordination concentration, decreases vision and inhibits judgement.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 identifies that a person who, when driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs, is guilty of an offence.
The “Morning after” effect means you could still be over the limit and your driving affected the next day as it takes time for alcohol to be eliminated from the bloodstream.
A good night’s sleep followed by a fry-up and strong coffee DOES NOT SPEED THIS UP!
There are strict alcohol limits for drivers, and remember the limits in Scotland are lower than the rest of the UK.
Provider: Driving for Better Business, National Highways
Resource Type: Web link
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