Generally, we at Healthy Lifestyles for All like to keep things fairly relaxed. We are certainly not here to judge people. It is very rare that someone is fat just because they’re greedy. People who smoke should not be judged for their horrible habit (and I was one of them), but persuaded to see the error of their ways. Type 2 diabetes sufferers need support to change their lifestyles, not dirty looks from people who lack kindness. However, when it comes to drinking and driving, there is no excuse.
Statistics Behind Drinking and Driving Don’t Lie
It’s hard to believe that this needs saying but, in England and Wales in 2021, 85,000 people were arrested for drinking and driving. As a result of some of these staggeringly selfish people, over 200 people needlessly died. All of those 200 people were someone’s father, mother, daughter, son, grandmother and grandfather. Some of them would not get a chance to see their children or grandchildren grow up. Some others would not be able to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Some others may just have been starting out in life; all futures gone because someone was to stupid to order a taxi, get on a bus, or walk home.
Of course, some offenders just made a small misjudgement. They had one drink that put them slightly over the limit. However, even for them, that small mistake probably cost them a good future, a good job or a promotion, and in extreme cases, even their families. But even for those individuals, if they had been more considerate, they would have never had been drinking and driving in the first place.
When the punishments for drinking and driving became stricter, many people my age thought that we would see a future where no one would get behind the wheel of a car after having a few beers. This became doubly so when I noticed that drinking and driving stopped being something cool people did, and friends started to actively discourage and even judge friends who were drinking and driving.
Don’t Risk Drinking and Driving
Sadly, however, people still seem to think it’s okay to drink and drive. Honestly, I have no idea why. I’m a car driver and I like a drink. What I don’t do is jump in my car to go to the pub. I get the metro or a bus, or a taxi if I’m really desperate, knowing that if I overdo it, I can get home safely. I can’t fathom why anyone would think using a car would be a good choice.
And drinking and driving is a genuinely serious problem, even today. It poses a danger to both the person drinking and the people around them. When a person drinks, and then gets behind the wheel, they are putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death. Here are just some of the reasons why drinking and driving is never a good idea.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol impairs a person’s ability to drive, causing them to have slower reaction times, difficulty focusing, and problems with coordination. This can make it difficult for them to drive safely, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions.
We all know that one guy (notice it’s rarely a girl) who says something along the lines of, “I think I actually drive better when I’ve had a beer.” Or maybe you don’t and I just hang around with really stupid people. Either way, that just isn’t true.
Increased Risk of Accidents
When a person is under the influence of alcohol, they are more likely to make mistakes while driving, such as running red lights, swerving, or failing to yield. This increases the risk of accidents, which can lead to serious injuries or death.
Legal Consequences of Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving is a criminal offence and can lead to severe legal consequences, such as fines, licence suspension, and even imprisonment. I think this is a bit vague so below is the text from the UK government website about what will happen to you if you get done for drunken-driving.
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- 3 months’ imprisonment
- up to £2,500 fine
- a possible driving ban
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis
- 6 months’ imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 1 year
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink
- life imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 5 years
- an extended driving test before your licence is returned
Loss of Life
One of the most serious consequences of drinking and driving is the potential loss of life. As we already know, every year in the UK, hundreds of people are killed in alcohol-related crashes, and many more are left with serious injuries.
Impact of Drinking and Driving on Others
Drinking and driving not only puts the driver at risk but also has a significant impact on the lives of others. Families and loved ones of those killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes are often left to cope with emotional and financial burdens.
Personal Breathalysers
There are times when you may be wondering if you are safe to drive or not. Of course, the main test for that should be your own commonsense. However, there are also personal breathalysers that you can use. They’re basically the same as the ones the rozzers use. If you want to know more, you can read more about personal breathalysers here.
Wrapping Drinking and Driving Up
It ain’t rocket surgery. To prevent the dangers of drinking and driving, plan ahead. Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. Additionally, if you are under the influence and you drove somewhere, leave your car where it is. Use a taxi, public transportation, or call a friend or family member for a ride if you’re broke. Remember that drinking and driving is not only illegal but also dangerous and can have serious consequences.
Looking for more general advice on how to live your best life. Then check out our blog where you will find tons of articles.
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