Motorists must not let the hot weather tempt them to drink and drive.
A reduction in drinking and driving is something that everyone would like to see. It is therefore important we resist the urge to have a drink while making the most of the current wave of good weather – especially as summer tends to be the time when drink-drive casualties hit their peak.
As results from the Association of Chief Police Officers' June campaign are released – which revealed a slight drop in the number of drivers failing a breath test in the month – road safety charity Brake has urged the public to speak out against drivers who hit the road after hitting the bottle.
There are concerns that the current heatwave is resulting in people being tempted to drink when at summer parties, BBQs and festivals – even though they will need to drive in order to get home from these events.
It is advised that people never drive after having consumed any amount of alcohol, while people who see their friends contemplating having a drink before getting behind the wheel are urged to advise them against doing so.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake – which campaigns to prevent road collisions and lend support to victims – said: "Everyone wants to get out and enjoy the good weather while it lasts, but that shouldn't mean putting your life and the lives of others at risk."
Ms Townsend pointed to research that indicates people are significantly more likely to crash even when they drink small amounts of alcohol – so it is not worth taking the risk.
She stated: "We urge drivers to make a commitment to never drive after drinking any alcohol, to prevent horrific crashes and devastating casualties."
Those who intend to have a drink at a summer gathering should make sure they plan ahead with regard to how they will get home. This can involve setting out a safe walking route, deciding on a mode of public transport or booking a taxi.
Posted by Peter Murray