Avoid a tragic Christmas – don’t drink and drive
Alcohol has played a part in the injuries of 85 road users involved in road collisions in Oxfordshire so far this year (to 31st October). With the festive season rapidly approaching, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service will be holding a number of anti-drink drive events around the county in December to highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drivers will be urged to leave their keys at home if they are out celebrating and to also be aware that they can still be over the limit the morning after.
Mick Clarke, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Manager said: “We would like everyone to stay merry and safe during the festive season. Even a small amount of alcohol will influence your ability to judge speed and distances, and your reaction times may be slow. It’s not worth the risk. Please leave your car keys at home if you’re going out to celebrate.
“It's not just drivers affected, a number of pedestrians 'under the influence' have been involved in road traffic incidents. If you’re out celebrating or visiting family or friends during the festive season, plan how you are getting home. Book a taxi, catch a bus or train, stay overnight or have a designated driver if you’re out in a group.
“Make sure you know when you will be safe and legal to drive the next day. The effects of alcohol can still last into the morning after a drinking session. If you’re driving to work or dropping the kids at school the next morning, don’t get caught out, you could still be over the drink drive limit, even if you feel fine. Drinking coffee, sleeping, or having a shower won’t work. Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.”
Local anti-drink drive events
Throughout December, firefighters and the road safety education team at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service will be offering guidance on how to avoid drink driving and how to keep you and other road users safe.
- 3rd December at the Fire Station in Faringdon from 9am to midday.
- 7th December at Asda, Wheatley from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
- 7th December at Sainsbury’s, Kidlington from 10am to midday. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will be encouraging shoppers to try a Mocktail provided by Sainsbury’s and TVP will also be supporting this event.
- 12th December at Sainsbury’s, Heyford Hill from 10am to 12.30pm.
- 12th December at Carterton Community Centre from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
The morning after the office party
Enjoy a few beers or glasses of wine on a night out? You could still be over the drink drive limit the morning after, even if you feel fine. Do you know how long you need to leave between you last drink and picking up your car keys? Take a look at the quick guide on 365alive.co.uk or download the ‘Morning After’ app from morning-after.org.uk which has been developed to help people reduce their risk of driving while over the limit the morning after drinking alcohol.
How about a Mocktail?
If you’re the designated driver or if you have guests who are driving, mocktails are a tasty alternative to alcoholic drinks over the festive period, so you can join in the fun and still drive home safely. Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has published a few mocktail recipes online at www.365alive.co.uk .
If you’re going out rather than staying at home, lots of restaurants, pubs and bars offer a mocktail menu. If they don’t, you could ask for a ‘virgin’ non-alcoholic version of your favourite cocktail instead. Any drink recipe can be modified by simply leaving out the alcohol.
How are you getting home?
A small amount of alcohol will influence your ability to judge speed and distances, and your reaction times may be slow, thereby increasing your chances of being involved in an incident.
If you are out celebrating or visiting family or friends during the festive season plan how you are getting home. Book a taxi, catch a bus or train, stay overnight or have a designated driver.