The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and social gatherings. However, it also brings an increased risk of drink driving incidents, particularly after Christmas parties. Understanding the legal and personal consequences of drink driving can help prevent these dangerous decisions.
If In Doubt, Don’t Test It Out
If you have a boozy Christmas party coming up, we suggest the following:
- Plan ahead – ask someone to pick you up afterwards or pre-book a taxi.
- Stay over – consider staying over at a friend’s house if you’re too far away from home.
- Know your limits – understand how alcohol affects you and make responsible choices about when and how much to drink.
If you plan to stay on soft drinks and drive home but end up having a festive tipple, it is important to re-think your plans. Taxi fares may be high during the festive period, but the consequences of drink-driving are higher.
The Consequences of Drink-Driving
More than 10,000 drivers were arrested last year for drink-driving during the festive season. The repercussions of such an offence can be catastrophic, and include:
- Legal consequences – such as fines and penalties, disqualification and a criminal record.
- Personal consequences – such as accidents and injuries, increased insurance costs and guilt or emotional burden.
- Social consequences – such a strain on relationships, employment issues and damage to you reputation in your community.
Remember, the consequences of drink driving extend far beyond the immediate legal repercussions. They can affect every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you. Stay safe and make responsible choices this festive season.
If you have been accused of a motoring offence, it is extremely important to seek specialist legal advice before responding to any paperwork. Contact our specialist Road Traffic Defence Team today for a free initial consultation. Call us today at 0161 930 5151, email us at crimeandregulatoryteam@gorvins.com or fill in the online form.
We can help you navigate the process and ensure the best possible outcome.