Drink Driving

The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely consume. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play a part. But any amount of alcohol affects driving ability. A motorist's ability to judge speed and distance may be impaired, their reaction times may be slowed and their judgement of risk seriously affected.

The potential costs of Drink Driving

The most obvious danger to drink drivers is the risk of being involved in an accident. 3000 people are killed or injured as a direct result of drink driving – and 1 in 6 deaths on the road are down to drink drivers.

The social and practical costs can also be devastating. A conviction for drink driving – even if you haven't been involved in an accident – can result in a ban from driving for a year. If you are convicted of drink driving:

	You will have a criminal record;
	You could get banned from driving for at least a year;
	You could lose your job;
	Your lifestyle could change dramatically;
	Your insurance costs will skyrocket;
	You could have problems hiring a car for the next ten years.

So the only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive, and never offer an alcoholic drink to someone else who is intending to drive.

Drug Driving

Driving while unfit due to drugs is against the law. This applies to prescribed medication or over-the-counter products as well as illegal substances. In fact, driving while unfit through drugs is just as dangerous as drink driving. The effects of some drugs can last for some time after use. Ways in which drugs can affect driving include:

	Slower reaction times;
	Poor concentration;
	Sleepiness or fatigue;
	Confused thinking;
	Distorted perception;
	Over-confidence.

While linking drug use to accidents is difficult, figures suggest that 51 people died in 2006 where drugs were believed to be a contributory factor.

If you are unsure whether it is safe to drive whilst taking prescribed medication, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist first.

Child seat laws

Under UK law, all children travelling in cars must be using an appropriate child restraint. Ensuring that all children under 14 do so is the driver's responsibility (with a few exceptions). There are different requirements for children of different ages. If you have children, its well worth familiarising yourself with these requirements both for their safety and making sure you stay within the law.

For full, up to date official information, visit the official RoSPa site.

Driving whilst using a Mobile phone UK Law

The law on using a mobile phone whilst driving is clear: don't (although there are exceptional circumstances where you may be permitted to dial 999 from a mobile while driving.)

Studies have shown that reaction times for drivers when using a mobile phone drop by 50% - which vastly increases the chances of their being involved in an accident.

As a result, all use of mobile communication devices whilst driving are now banned. Failure to comply could mean 6 points on your license and severe fines.

What about driving whilst using hands-Free kit?

Although most experts agree that hands-free kits do lead to lower response times and poorer driving, the law currently permits their use.

If you ever do need to take or make a phone call whilst on the move, we recommend you pull over at the first convenient and safe spot, and finish your call before moving off safely.