Afternoon and 'morning-after' drink-driving alert

Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS) said that while most people were prepared to avoid driving immediately after drinking, more than one third were still underestimating when it would be safe to take control of their vehicle again.

"Understandably, staff are often tempted to visit the pub at lunchtimes during the Christmas season, and may expect the effects of any alcohol they consume to have worn off by the time they drive home," said NURS head of risk services, Brian Wallace.

"However, tests have shown that even a small amount of beer or wine can have a lasting impact a people's competence to drive. The best advice is to avoid drinking altogether during the day, if you're planning on driving home from work."

Brian cited a practical study carried out by Ford UK last year, which showed that a straightforward slalom course was almost impossible to negotiate by someone who had actually consumed less than the legal limit. The tests, which took place in a controlled environment, were not a problem for the driver before having a drink.

Laboratory based studies, conducted by the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, have also revealed that a natural dip in alertness in afternoons, combined with a small amount of alcohol, can have a devastating effect on drivers' attentiveness.

Alternative arrangements

Other research has shown that after four drinks during an evening, most motorists taking to the wheel the following morning are over the legal drink-drive limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

It can take up to 12 hours to get below this limit after drinking one bottle of medium-strength wine, and a similar length of time after drinking four pints of strong lager or beer. Spirits, which are now usually served in larger measures, make it particularly difficult for people to weigh up just how much they may have had to drink.

According to a study conducted by the RAC, while almost all drivers believe that drinking and driving is dangerous, only 70% think that this is true 'the morning after'.

Because of this, employers should also remind workers about the dangers of travelling to work by car, or getting behind the wheel of their company vehicle, after a night-out.

"We're not suggesting that employers become Christmas kill-joys, but the issue of drink-driving must be taken very seriously," he said.

"After all, there's nothing wrong with a night out or an afternoon drink with friends, provided alternative transport arrangements have been made."

Police 'crackdown'

This week the police and Government officials launched their 2006 Christmas drink-driving campaign, with a warning that all drivers involved in a collision are to be breath-tested, whether they are suspected of drink-driving or not.

Meredydd Hughes, of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), said officers would be "cracking down hard" on people driving under the influence of both drink or drugs.

"December is one of the highest months for both fatalities and collisions involving drunk drivers, while the number of deaths caused by drivers with illegal levels of alcohol has risen over the past few years," he said. "This is unacceptable and the police will not tolerate it."

He added: "Throughout the campaign, police officers across England and Wales will be breath testing all drivers involved in collisions, irrespective of whether they suspect an offence of drink driving or not.

"If drink is detected, the driver will be arrested. By focusing on the risk drink and drug drivers cause to pedestrians, other drivers, themselves and their passengers over the Christmas period, I hope people will think twice before driving under the influence, to ensure that everyone's Christmas is a happy one.'"

Last years' drink-drive campaign in England and Wales led to 9,275 arrests, after more than 133,000 breathalyser tests were administered.