The festive season is a time for joy, celebrations and connecting with loved ones. However, it also brings increased risks on the roads. With Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations in full swing, many drivers underestimate the dangers and legal implications of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Aden Deubert Business Development Manager for Fleet at Cardinus Risk Management, shares his insights on the critical importance of staying safe on the roads during the festive season.

With extensive experience in fleet risk management, Aden highlights the growing concerns around drug and alcohol impairment while driving and offers practical advice to help drivers make responsible choices this Christmas and New Year.

Keep reading as we delve into the facts and provide practical advice to ensure your holiday season remains safe for everyone.

The dangers of drugs and driving

You might be surprised to learn that common medications—both prescription and over-the-counter—can impair your ability to drive safely. In the UK, it’s illegal to drive if medication affects your coordination, reaction time, or focus.

Common medications that can impair driving:

• Anti-inflammatories: Can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness.
• Antihistamines: May lead to blurred vision and decreased concentration.
• Antibiotics: Certain types can result in dizziness and impaired coordination.

Potential side effects:

• Drowsiness: Reducing your alertness and reaction times.
• Blurred or Double Vision: Making it harder to judge distances or spot hazards.
• Reduced Concentration: Leading to delayed decision-making and impaired driving ability.

What you can do:

• Always read labels: Understand the potential side effects of any medication you take.
• Wait before driving: Avoid driving immediately after taking a new medication until you’re sure it doesn’t impair you.
• Consult healthcare professionals: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure about your medication’s effects on your ability to drive.

Alcohol and driving: Know the law

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a well-known risk, but many drivers still take chances, especially during the festive season. In the UK, alcohol limits differ depending on the location:

• England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

  • 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
  • 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath
  • 107 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine

• Scotland:

  • 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
  • 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath
  • 67 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine

These limits may seem technical, but the underlying message is clear. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving ability and put you over the legal limit.

Factors that influence alcohol’s effects

It’s nearly impossible to accurately determine how much alcohol you can consume and still remain under the legal limit. Several factors influence how your body processes alcohol, including:

• Weight: Heavier individuals may process alcohol differently than lighter ones.
• Medications: Some medications can interact with alcohol, enhancing its effects.
• Metabolism: Everyone’s metabolism rates vary, affecting how quickly alcohol is processed.
• Food consumption: Eating before or while drinking can slow the absorption of alcohol.

While it’s been suggested that two pints of regular-strength lager or two small glasses of wine might push you over the limit, individual differences mean that even less could have the same effect.

The safest choice is to avoid alcohol completely if you plan to drive.

The morning after: A hidden risk

One of the most overlooked risks is driving the morning after a celebration. Many drivers assume they’re safe to drive once they’ve slept, but alcohol can linger in the system longer than anticipated. Without a breathalyser, there’s no reliable way to determine if you’re still over the legal limit when you wake up.

Key Points:

• Alcohol metabolism: It can take several hours for alcohol to leave your system completely.
• No quick fix: Sleeping does not instantly eliminate alcohol from your bloodstream.
• Avoid risks: If you’re driving early the next morning, limit your alcohol intake or avoid drinking altogether.

Staying safe on the roads this Christmas

The festive period is about celebrating, but it’s also about protecting yourself and others. Here are some simple tips to keep everyone safe:

1. Plan ahead:
   • If you’re drinking, arrange for alternative transport such as a taxi, ride-sharing service, or a designated driver.
2. Check medication labels:
   • Understand how your medications might impact your ability to drive safely. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
3. Avoid risks:
   • If you’re unsure about your ability to drive, don’t get behind the wheel. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Educate yourself:
   • Familiarise yourself with the legal alcohol limits in your area and the potential consequences of driving under the influence.
5. Promote safe driving:
   • Encourage friends and family to make responsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving.

What’s more important, compliance, risk management, or saving money?

For organisations, balancing compliance, risk management, and cost savings is crucial—especially when it comes to fleet safety. Ensuring compliance with UK laws on drug and alcohol limits protects your team and shields your business from legal consequences. Proactive risk management reduces incidents, safeguarding your reputation and minimising downtime caused by accidents. By improving driver behaviour and reducing incidents, organisations can save money on insurance premiums, repairs, and operational disruptions.

With our Healthy Working: Safe Driving program, you can achieve all three. Healthy Working: Safe Driving is an end-to-end fleet risk management solution that provides driver risk assessments and tailored eLearning, which includes ahttps://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/[email protected]?anonymous&ep=bwmEmailSignature dedicated content on drugs and alcohol.

Book a meeting with Aden today to discover how we can help your employees drive safely, maintain compliance and cost-efficiency this festive season and beyond.