Driving Tips – Christmas Cheer!

 
Now that you are learning to drive you have probably started to notice more stuff about driving than you used to, for example, news stories about drivers and driving.
 
At this time of year the most common driving news stories tend to be about drinking and driving, but this year drug-driving has also been hitting the headlines.

 
 
At Christmas time many people celebrate by having a drink, they do this at home with friends, in pubs and clubs or at Christmas parties – and because there are lots of parties at Christmas there will be lots more alcohol consumption. There is also likely to be more illicit drug use.
 
It should be common sense that you should not drink and drive, but it’s easy to forget common sense when you’ve had a drink!

 
 
If you are out celebrating this Christmas make sure there is a designated driver who stays sober. BUT NOT YOU!
 
It’s illegal for your driving supervisor to be over the drink-drive limit – you can both be prosecuted and risk being banned from driving. With this in mind be very careful who supervises you if you are driving over the Christmas period.
 
 

 
 
Drink and drugged drivers:

• are slow to react in emergencies
• drive too fast or too slow
• run over curbs
• wobble or weave across the road
• don’t signal or don’t use the lights
• don’t stop at red lights or stop signs
• pass other vehicles unsafely

 

 
The maximum alcohol limit in England is 80 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood – in Scotland there is a lower limit of 50mg pre 100ml (the same as Southern Ireland).
 
With just a small amount of alcohol (20mg-50mg) in your body you aren’t able to properly judge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles. You might also take greater risks such as dangerous overtaking or driving too close to other cars.
 

Have fun, but be safe…

 
Have a great Christmas holiday and for safety’s sake (and to keep your licence!) don’t drink and drive.