Happened to me several years ago when driving back from a late shift. Unmarked police car followed me for some distance doing around 25 in a 30. Can't think why I was doing that speed.. perhaps fatigued. Anyway they thought it was suspicious enough at that time of night on a fairly quiet road to pull me over. Fortunately I passed the attitude test :)

Ahh the old "only one pint" story..

More like three..

Ah yes, probably. But some of these ales are very strong and one pint knocked back quickly on an empty stomach, then driving straight away could easily put someone over the limit. Very unfortunate but a lesson learned.

Indeed - a former colleague had something similar happen to him in his 20s. He never drinks alcohol when there's even a slightly possibility he may drive - just not worth the risk, for both safety and getting nicked, given the ramifications.

I wonder how many extra £1000s it cost him in insurance, taxis and using public transport to get around during the ban. Some people will lose their jobs if they get done for drink driving or get banned for major offences, and not just because they cannot do their job because they need to drive as part of it.

Best way is Don't drink alcoholic drinks.

If limts are set very very low and you have two pints Friday night when are you safe to drive, and how can you be sure if the limts are set very very low.

Edited by Orb>> on 01/08/2024 at 16:54

If limits are set very very low and you have two pints Friday night when are you safe to drive, and how can you be sure if the limits are set very very low?

Depends on the size and shape (i.e.capacity) of the individual, and how much absorbent food they have eaten. But after two pints almost anyone should be OK the next morning. It's just getting home that is the problem, especially if more than two pints have been consumed :-)

I can honestly say I have never drunk and driven, however for all those wanting lower limits at what point the following day (or days) are you OK to drive?

If limts are set very very low and you have two pints Friday night when are you safe to drive, and how can you be sure if the limts are set very very low?

It depends on how quickly each person metabolises the alcohol and then gets rid of it. That's why eating food will help, and why often (though not always), larger people can tolerate more alcohol before getting the drunken side effects than smaller ones.

Some say (anecdotal evidence?) that regular boozers (including alcoholics) can more easily tolerate it rather than novices / occasional drinkers. I'd personally not take my chances even if that were true.

Each person will need to see how consumption affects them, especially when not eating as well. Of course, the more you drink, the longer it will likely take to be eliminated from your system.

Best to err on the side of caution.