Want a drink? Then don't drive

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has this week issued a simple reminder to keep safe on the road this Christmas: if you are going to drive, then don't drink, if you are going to drink, don't drive.

With the seasons festivities upon us between Christmas parties and family get-togethers we can all get a bit carried away. Christmas can be a time of overindulgence and the odd tipple to toast the festive season is too easy.

The IAM says that even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect a driver's ability to drive. People's tolerances to alcohol are different depending on factors such as their weight, metabolism, gender, age, what they have eaten, their stress levels and the amount of alcohol they have taken.

So remember that house party measures will be much larger than those typically served in pubs. A driver who thinks that they will have had "just one" could be very much over the drink-drive limit and be unaware of it.

Alcohol remains in your system the next day and for how long depends on all of the factors mentioned above. Make a point of leaving your car keys at home if you are going to a party. Unless you have more alternative transport arrangements, those car keys may tempt you to get behind the wheel when you shouldn't.

Credits: JRC