As police forces nationwide kick off their seasonal drink-drive operations, GEM Motoring Assist urges drivers to prioritise safety and avoid drinking and driving.
GEM recommends pre-booking a taxi, designating a sober driver, or staying at a friend’s house or hotel to ensure a safe, festive night out. Research shows that lowering the drink-drive limit could save at least 25 lives and prevent 95 serious injuries annually.
In 2023, police conducted 49,812 breath tests, with 9.5% yielding positive, failed, or refused results. The current legal limit in England and Wales is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, whereas Scotland has a lower limit of 50 milligrams.
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, emphasizes that 18% of road deaths are drink-drive related and all are preventable. “Impairment starts with the first sip. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Plan ahead to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.”
GEM also encourages designated drivers to enjoy various non-alcoholic drinks, as many pubs offer complimentary soft drinks during the festive season.
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