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Under the influence

The Body

The UK's legal limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood ... does that mean anything to you?! Basically there is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and stay under the limit, because it can depend on so many factors. For example:

• The amount and type of alcoholic drink
• Your weight
• Your sex
• Your age
• Food intake
• Metabolism

Alcohol affects your ability to drive safely as your reaction times are impaired and you're unable to judge speed and distances.

Don't think you won't get caught drink driving! More than half a million breath tests are carried out each year and on average 100,000 are found to be positive!

The Morning After

• You could still lose your licence if you drive the day after drinking when you're still over the legal limit.
• It's impossible to get rid of alcohol any faster than your body will process it. A shower, a cup of coffee or other ways of 'sobering up' will not help. It just takes time.

The Law

• Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
• An endorsement for a drink-driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years!
• Being in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal limit could result in 3 months in prison plus a fine of up to £2,500 and a driving ban.
• The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis is a maximum 6 months in prison, up to £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.
• Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a minimum 2-year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before driving legally again.