Road deaths caused by drink driving have decreased dramatically over the last 21 years but, say Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group- HAPG, 10 people per week still lose their lives through drinking and driving.

This summer HAPG are reminding people not to sit on their laurels but to act to bring down the numbers of drink driving accidents even further.

"It is a sobering thought" said …………………… Head of Hertfordshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit, "that if you are twice the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood you are at least fifty times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Ten deaths a week is ten too many!"

HAPG believe that many people are still not aware of the dangers of drinking and driving and that there are still many myths out there that need to be dispelled.

A common belief is that Christmas time is the worst time of the year for drink driving accidents, but this is not true. Statistics show a higher incidence of drink driving related accidents in the summer months. Long summer days and mild evenings are perfect for social occasions but people should be aware of a gradual build up of alcohol in their system. It is important to remember that a lunchtime drink, after work pint, pre-dinner aperitif, wine and liqueurs could leave you at mid night with 2½ times the legal limit of alcohol in your blood. Because the effects wear of slowly, by 7.30 a.m., as you rise, you are still over the legal limit and unfit to drive, even if you have spelt for seven and a half hours. Other myths which HAPG want to destroy include the common perception that if you have a huge dinner it will help soak up the alcohol.

…………………..added, " We want people to know the myths and recognise the risk. eating actually slows down the absorption of alcohol, so it stays in your system longer. Black coffee does not neutralise the effects of alcohol either, it simply gives you a kick or makes you feel more alert and awake for a short time. Having a cold shower will not help, it may clear your head but this is only temporary, your reactions will still be very slow and you are unfit to drive. The only thing you can do that will definitely ensure you can safely get behind the wheel of a car and drive is not to drink alcohol.

HAPG also advise people that they must not drive under the influence of any drug and that they should check with their GP or pharmacist if they are taking prescription drugs.

For more information contact……………………………………………………….

Our thanks to the Portman Group for statistical information.

Notes for Editors:

The number of people killed in drink-drive accidents fell from 1643 in 1979 to 510 in 1994 - a reduction of over two thirds.

Articles such as this are aimed at all drivers but particularly young men aged 17-24 who are three times more likely to be killed than older drivers.

The Herts Accident Prevention Group (HAPG) includes representatives of Hertfordshire Health Promotion, Hertfordshire County Council, all Hertfordshire District Borough Councils, West and East & North Hertfordshire Health Authorities, NHS Hospital Trusts and the University of Hertfordshire and is convened to support accident prevention through education, training and publicity.

Drink driving quiz

Answers: 1(c), 2(c), 3(a), 4(a), 5(b)