The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) recently warned drivers to carefully consider the many negative consequences of drinking and driving.

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With the heat of the summer comes increased thirst and greater use of alcoholic beverages to quench it. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) recently warned drivers to carefully consider the many negative consequences of drinking and driving. The leading consumer awareness charity found it necessary to offer cautious reminders in lieu of previous surveys that showed an alarming 50 per cent of 32 million British motorists admitted to drinking and driving.

The sad news, according to IAM, is that many of the motorists who do drink and drive, and contribute to accidents and fatalities, did not intend to drink and drive, rather they make bad decisions. Sure, there are some who are simply irresponsible and do not believe that drinking and driving will harm them. There are many, though, who go to the pub to have "just one drink" but fall prey to peer pressure or social influence.

Regardless of intention, the harsh reality of drinking and driving is that bad things do happen. Drivers who operate a vehicle while two times over the legal alcohol limit are thirty times more likely to wind up in an accident. The drunk driver can not only harm himself, but he can harm other motorists or pedestrians in his path of travel.

So why do Brits regularly engage in such reckless behavior? Some falsely believe they are invincible to the effects of alcohol. Others stubbornly refuse to believe they are impaired by having a few drinks. Many social drinkers also mistakenly believe a cup of coffee, eating, or being well-rested can reduce or prevent the impairing effects of alcohol.

If you are not dissuaded from drinking and driving because of the risk of serious injury of death to yourself or another, there are also other economical and functional reasons to be responsible. An 11 year drink drive endorsement is one of the negative results of a drinking and driving offence. According to IAM, many Brits are not even aware of this.

The best way to play it safe, says the motorist group, is for people to simply avoiding drinking altogether if they plan to drive. This includes the temptation to have "just one" drink. There is no viable way to measure one's blood alcohol level prior to driving so the risk of failing a test is not worth it. The straight-forward message is, if you want to enjoy a social evening that includes alcohol, find a driver. If you are the driver, do not drink.

Historical Warnings:
Back in 2003 AIM issued this stark warning :: The drinks industry needs to pull its head out of the sand and deal with the relevant issues to avoid strict government legislation, according to speakers at the March 2003 'Industry Under Threat, Social Responsibility and Self Regulation' conference hosted by Alcohol in Moderation (AIM) and the WSA. Binge drinking among young adults was identified as the most important issue. The panel called for a campaign that mirrored the drink-driving campaign of the past two decades, to make binge drinking and public drunkenness socially unacceptable.

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Copyright © 2008 Click4Warranty
The Facts Quoted Were Taken From The following ABI Report >> Young Drivers: Road Safety and the Cost of Motoring Interim report and consultation paper. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily held by the Click4Group unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.