December Campaign: Christmas Drink and Drug Drive Awareness

Over the last 50 years the number of drink drive fatalities has fallen dramatically, and many now perceive driving under the influence of alcohol to be socially unacceptable. However, last year nearly 3,500 drivers tested positive for drink driving and 3,700 for drug driving.

 

These worrying figures sees even more of a need for the annual Christmas Drink and Drug Drive Campaign to remind drivers that there are no safe limits, and if they plan to drive don’t drink or take drugs.

 

 

You deserve to have an enjoyable Christmas and New Year, so the guidelines are simple to ensure you keep yourself and your friends and family safe.

 

  • If you’re planning to drink alcohol, plan your journey home

Save a local taxi number in your phone, pre-book a taxi, or check local transport options. Agree on someone to be the designated driver and don’t offer that person any alcohol.

 

  • Don’t accept a lift from someone you think has taken drugs or drunk alcohol

If someone you know plans to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you can report them anonymously to Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) or call the police. In 2014 there were 240 deaths as a result of drink driving, which could have potentially been avoided!

 

  • Beware of the morning after

If you have drunk alcohol the night before, you may still be over the legal limit to drive the following day. In general, it takes one hour for one unit to be removed from the body and there is no way to speed this up – it just takes time.

 

 

If you want to raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving within your college, community setting or workplace, we have a number of options to support you to do this. Our Development Officers can deliver in-depth educational sessions or informal health events to raise awareness amongst students or staff. Whereas our free Community Health Information displays are ideal for passers-by to take information at their leisure. Contact us today to find out how we can support you.