Police have issued a direct and urgent safety plea to motorists as the festive season gets into full swing, urging them to steer clear of one specific danger.
Zero Tolerance Festive Warning
In a stark Christmas travel alert, West Mercia Police has advised residents that the safest course of action is to "avoid alcohol completely if you have to drive." The force disseminated the warning via its Neighbourhood Matters service on Sunday, December 7.
The message forms part of a broader reminder about the perils of drink-driving and the importance of winter road safety as people head out to enjoy holiday festivities. Officers emphasised that the temptation to have "a drink or two" before driving poses a serious risk not just to the driver, but to everyone on the road.
The Hidden Dangers and Harsh Penalties
The police outlined several critical points for drivers to remember. Firstly, alcohol significantly slows reaction times and impairs judgement, dramatically increasing the risk of a collision.
A major focus was the "morning after" risk. The force warned that alcohol can remain in your system long after you stop drinking, potentially putting you over the legal limit the next day. It takes roughly one hour for the body to process one unit of alcohol, but this varies greatly from person to person.
The consequences of being caught are severe. If convicted of driving while above the legal limit, you could face:
- Six months' imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least one year (extending to three years if convicted twice within ten years)
Advice for All Road Users
The warning is not exclusive to car drivers. West Mercia Police extended the same crucial advice to cyclists and motorcyclists. Choosing to drink and then ride home endangers both the rider and other road users.
The force stressed that it is impossible to accurately calculate how many units will put an individual over the limit, as factors like weight, age, metabolism, food intake, and stress levels all play a part. The only guaranteed safe option is to completely separate drinking from driving.
