Under the Influence
There are severe risks and penalties which will be faced if caught driving ‘Under the influence’ Combining drugs with alcohol is especially deadly since it has been found that drivers who have consumed both are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than sober drivers.
Roadside Testing
The police use drug wipes and breathalysers and at the roadside to detect alcohol or drugs in your system. Those over the limit or refusing the test will be arrested.
The Consequences
If you are caught drink driving, you could get up to a six month prison sentence. If you kill someone, it could be significantly more. A criminal record can affect your job prospects, personal life, and travelling abroad. It will show on your driving licence for 11 years that you have been convicted of drink driving.
- Effects of Alcohol
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Lowered inhibitions
- Impaired motor function
- Erratic moods
- Glassy eyes
- Repeating words and phrases
- Unpredictable behaviour
- Dizziness
- Effects of Drugs
- Erratic behaviour
- Confused thinking
- Hallucinations
- Distorted perception
- Slower reaction times
- Poor concentration
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Paranoia
- Involuntary shaking
Don’t Put Yourself In Danger
Possible things you could say if your driver is intoxicated;
- “You’re not going in my direction”
- “I’ve got a taxi booked”
- “Someone else is picking me up”
- “I don’t want to go yet”
- “I want the exercise so I’ll walk”
- “I need to stop somewhere else first”
- “We should get a taxi instead”
- “No thank you”
The Morning After
It takes time for alcohol to dissipate through your system. Remember you could still be under the influence the next morning.
Use our handy on-line under the influence calculator.
Take a look at our infographic animation.
