There must be someone out there who is unaware of the dangers of drinking and driving. The issue has been the subject of significant television campaigns. Most bottles and cans of alcohol now have warnings and guidelines on the number of units we can drink before becoming unsafe to drive. How to buy driver license?
However, it appears that these measures have not been nearly enough to address the issue of people driving after consuming more than the legal limit of alcohol, putting themselves, their passengers, and other road users in danger of injury or death. But what can we legally drink while driving? What effects does alcohol have on our ability to drive? What are the consequences of exceeding the legal limit, and what is the best approach when drinking on a night out?
What are the legal constraints?
According to current law, we should not consume more than 80mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. As a rough guide, women would be permitted three units (roughly equivalent to one large glass of wine), and men would be helped four units (approximately equivalent to 2 pints of beer). However, these guidelines are not rigid because the amount of time it takes for alcohol to be released from the bloodstream varies significantly between people depending on their weight, height, build, and metabolism.
What are the consequences of drinking and driving?
The effects of alcohol on our ability to drive should not be overlooked. Even a glass of wine can impair our judgment, reactions, coordination, and vision. Furthermore, a person who has consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel is more likely to take risks, increasing the likelihood of being involved in a collision. Finally, it is a myth that coffee or a cold shower will help you wake up; neither will hasten the process of alcohol leaving your bloodstream.
What are the consequences of driving while over the limit?
Suppose you are caught driving while over the legal alcohol limit; you will not get off lightly. In addition to losing your driving privileges for at least 12 months, you could be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to six months, and your car insurance premiums could rise.
The most effective method of staying safe.
If you plan a night out or two over the holiday season or any other time of year, the best approach to ensure your safety and the safety of others is to use common sense. Don’t take any chances if you’re driving home; stick to soft drinks all night. If you do decide to drink alcohol, plan ahead of time how you will get home; book a taxi, hire a designated driver, or have a friend or family member pick you up.
Use specialized companies to arrange for you to be driven home if you have consumed more than you intended, or book yourself into a hotel. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can move the following day. Alcohol takes time to leave your system, and if you consume a significant amount, you may still be over the legal limit 24 hours later.
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