Drink-drive campaign 2007

Drink-driving caused 560 deaths in the UK during 2003. Despite a steady decline in the number of accidents, and intensive publicity campaigns dating back to 1967, drink-driving remains a year-round problem.

Most people agree that drink-driving is socially unacceptable. Yet despite local and national support, drink-driving continues. Many people think that the problem is down to drivers who are drunk - that is to say, visibly and obviously intoxicated. However, even small quantities of alcohol will affect driving ability. After just one drink you may feel okay to drive but your reactions will be affected. Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant; it slows down the reactions, relaxes the driver and dulls sensitivity to light, especially red lights.

The legal alcohol limit for driving refers to different levels of alcohol in the breath, blood or urine, and requires specialist equipment to measure. Also, since alcohol affects different people in different ways, and different drinks have different amounts of alcohol, there is no effective way of working out what is a safe amount to drink, before driving. So you don't have to be drunk to be a drink-driver; if you want to be sure you're safe - don't drink at all.

Penalties for drink-driving

The penalties for drink-driving can be very severe. It is not a fixed-penalty offence. If you are found over the limit you will be arrested, and if convicted you will receive an automatic 12 month driving ban and a fine, and have several penalty points added to your licence. If someone is injured or killed then the consequences for the driver will be much worse, they are likely to involve a heavy fine and possibly a prison sentence. Getting motor insurance afterwards is likely to be costly, while some employers might find drink-driving convictions unacceptable amongst staff who drive for work.

Further information

For more information, or copies of our drink-drive related publicity materials, please call us on (01902) 551155, or e-mail us at road.safety@wolverhampton.gov.uk