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 that.
A little over the limit? Twice as likely to crash.
Safe drink driving? There’s no such thing.
Australia has strict laws about drinking alcohol and driving, with the legal limit set at 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Learners and probationary licence-holders must have a 0.00 BAC.
There’s no absolute safe level of alcohol consumption for competent driving. Even after just a few, your driving ability is affected. The more you drink, the higher your blood alcohol concentration, and the greater your chance of having an accident.
If you know you are going to be drinking, make alternative plans for getting home. Arrange a lift with a friend who isn’t drinking, catch public transport, an Uber or a taxi.
| BAC Level | Effects from alcohol on driving |
|---|---|
| 0.02 to 0.05 |
|
| 0.05 |
|
| 0.05 to 0.08 |
|
| 0.08 |
|
| 0.08 to 0.12 |
|