What is a safe amount to drink and still be under the legal limit?
The simple answer is that there is no way in knowing for sure. There are so many factors that affect the amount someone can drink and still remain under the legal limit. The amount and type of drink consumed as well as age, sex, weight and metabolism all play a part in how well someone can cope with alcohol.
Knowing you are over the limit on the night you are drinking is one thing, but it’s far more difficult to know if you are safe to drive the next day. According to the Department for Transport (DfT), one in five drivers found to be over the limit are caught the morning after they consumed alcohol.
Because the amount of time that alcohol stays in the body will vary from person to person, it’s impossible to know for certain if you are safe to drive the following morning.
The Penalties of Drink Driving
• Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a 12 month driving ban. If you are caught re-offending within 10 years then you could face a mandatory 3 year driving disqualification.
• Causing a death whilst driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum 2 year driving ban.
• A drink driving offence will remain on your licence for 11 years
• If you have a drink driving conviction then expect to see a dramatic increase in the amount you pay for your car insurance. Finding competitive car insurance quotes will be difficult. Many car insurance companies will be unwilling to take the risk of insuring a driver with previous drink driving convictions.
