An expert has issued a stark warning to drinkers thinking about getting behind the wheel throughout the festive period.
Throughout the UK, there are around 3,597 drink driving offences recorded in December, according to a Freedom of Information request submitted in 2019.
That accounts for 113 incidents each day.
According to Drink Aware, 61 per cent of people indulge more in alcohol during the festive season compared to their usual intake.
Scotland has a zero tolerance approach to drink driving, with limits decreased in 2014.
Car and van leasing experts, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are warning motorists about the limits.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said: “After almost two years of lockdown restrictions causing celebrations to take place at home, Brits can now return to celebrating with loved ones and colleagues at pubs, clubs and parties this festive season. This is likely to involve alcohol for many.
"Research by Drinkaware found that over the festive period, 61% of British drinkers over-indulge with alcohol. On average, men admit to consuming around six drinks on Christmas Day, while women average at four and a half drinks.
"Driving when under the influence of alcohol can affect your perception, concentration and reactions when on the road. This is extremely dangerous and puts yourself and other road users at risk.
"Many overlook how long alcohol can stay in your system, so it is important to make drivers aware of this during the festive period when alcohol consumption typically increases in the UK.”
In Scotland, the current drink driving limits are.
- 22 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath (the 'breath limit')
- 50 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of blood (the 'blood limit')
- 67 milligrammes of alcohol in 100ml of urine (the 'urine limit')
This means that an average man would be limited to just under a pint of beer or a large glass of wine, and women to half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine, according to the Scottish Government.
However, alcohol impacts each person differently.
The effect can differ due to gender, height, weight, stress levels, medication and what you have eaten that day.
It is always safest not to drink at all if planning to get behind the wheel.
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