Don't Ruin Your Christmas By Drink Driving

Timely message from Council in lead up to parties

Hounslow Council is running a thought-provoking campaign to remind drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving this Christmas.

Adverts on buses are being used to remind drivers of the consequences of drinking and driving during the party season.

Cllr Colin Ellar, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for environment, said: “In the run up to Christmas more people go out to enjoy a drink with friends and families.

“Thankfully, most people are responsible and leave the car at home, but some people think they’ll be ok after a couple of drinks, without realising that they are over the limit.

“Not only is this a danger to other people, but if caught, drivers could face a driving ban, and a drink drive conviction on their licence for 11 years.”

Alcohol affects everybody's driving for the worse. It creates a feeling of overconfidence, makes judging distance and speed more difficult and slows your reactions so it takes longer to stop.

If someone is planning to drink alcohol, they should plan how to get home without driving. Sensible options include agreeing on a designated driver, saving a taxi number on their phone, or finding out about public transport routes and times before going out.

People should also think before driving the next day after a night out, as takes much longer than most people think for alcohol to pass through the body so they could still be over the limit.

Cllr Ellar said: “There’s no easy way to work out if you’re over the limit or not, so given the possible consequences, it’s better to be safe than sorry and leave the car at home.”

November 26, 2012