Safer Roads Humber has launched its summer ‘Morning After’ drink-drive campaign targeting drivers and riders to think about the amount of alcohol still in their system the morning after any summer social event.
The ‘Morning After’ campaign reminds drinkers that they could still be over the limit the following day - after a long drinking session during summer afternoons and evenings spent with family and friends.
Very often, drinkers do the right thing on the day or evening they are out drinking by designating someone to be the sober driver or by arranging alternative transport. But with the longer summer evenings and the prospect for BBQs, garden parties, weddings and family gatherings, it is all too easy to forget how many generous glasses of wine or beer have been topped up during the afternoon or evening.
One unit of alcohol* takes the body an hour to break down; so, for example, a person drinking three large (250ml) glasses of wine (15 per cent alcohol) in an evening who stops drinking at midnight should not drive for 13 hours – that is 1pm the following day.
Ruth Gore, spokesperson for Safer Roads Humber, said: “This is the time of year that many people choose to throw an impromptu barbecue, have planned their social gathering or are having their wedding day celebrations and our main message is still don’t drink and drive.
“However, it is all too easy to forget the amount of alcohol consumed throughout an afternoon and/or evening of socialising and how much remains in the system through to the following day.
“This campaign tries to raise awareness with this group by helping them to understand how much they have consumed and how long it will be before the alcohol is clear from their body.”
Along with targeted enforcement, information flyers are being given out at a range of events across the region, whilst radio adverts will be playing during the summer holidays. Residents are invited to view the Morning After website www.morning-after.org.uk to find out more about the length of time alcohol stays in the body.
Chief Inspector Roger Mitchell, Humberside Police, said: “Drink driving is a year-round problem on the roads affecting families, communities and work places by somebody making the mistake of not realising how long it can take for the alcohol to clear from their body.
“It may come as a surprise that there are more drink drive related casualties in the summer months than during December’s traditional party season.”
Mick Harris, Safer Roads Humber partnership manager, said: “Our main message is always never to drink and drive but this part of the campaign highlights that driving can be a problem many hours after drinking. The summer should be a great time to enjoy a get together, so think about how you are going to get about the day after so as not to regret the Morning After.
“Our message is simple – do not drink and drive - if you are celebrating this summer, leave the car at home the Morning After too.”