Is there such a thing as safe drink driving?
Most of us are in a car every day, so it’s easy to forget how complex driving really is. When you’re behind the wheel you need total concentration, good coordination, rapid reflexes and the ability to make correct judgments and decisions. Drinking alcohol diminishes those abilities.
There’s no such thing as safe drink driving
Alcohol can:
- reduce your ability to judge speed and distance
- give you a false sense of confidence and increase your tendency to take risks
- reduce your co-ordination and concentration
- slow your reaction times
- effect your vision and how you see obstacles.
Australia has strict laws about drinking alcohol and driving. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is set at .05 for full licence holders. Learners and probationary licence holders must have no alcohol in their body (0.00 BAC). Other licence types may vary.
Drinking too much alcohol may also cause you to have alcohol in your body the next day.
Drink driving is enforced by police forces through targeted and random roadside breath testing.
Tips to stay safe
If you are going to drink, the safest option to keep both you and your community safe is to plan your way home before you go out:
Arrange to be picked up.
Choose a designated driver.
Use public transport or a ride-sharing service.
Stay at a friend’s place.
Don’t accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.
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