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Scroll to learn more about the impact of drinking and driving, and what you can do to avoid it.

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What we learned from Thomas

  1. He thought he was ok to drive just a short distance.
  2. His son had to see him at the site of the crash.
  3. He lost the trust of his family and has still not fully recovered it.
  4. He was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.
  5. He experienced mental health issues following the crash.

How can you avoid the same outcome?

Even one drink.

One drink can affect your reaction times, coordination and vision. In some people, small amounts of alcohol can almost double reaction times.

Alcohol affects your judgement.

Alcohol can give you a false sense of confidence. The more alcohol in your body, the more impaired your judgement.

Drink drivers are often a lot more drunk than they realise.

Beware peer pressure.

Sometimes your friends can push you to make decisions you will regret. A good friend doesn’t let you drive after drinking.

Everyone is different.

How alcohol affects your body depends on a number of things, from your weight, sex and age to how much food you have eaten.

And remember: a unit of alcohol – for example the amount found in half a pint of low-strength beer – can stay in your system for at least an hour.

So, you could still be dangerously impaired if driving the morning after drinking.

Five ways to avoid drink driving

  1. Plan your night before you leave — how will you get home tonight?
  2. Don’t drink alcohol if you are driving, not even one drink.
  3. Stick together – find friends who look after each other and don’t let each other drive after drinking.
  4. Agree a designated driver tonight. Give them support and praise.
  5. Speak up if your friend wants to drive after drinking — stop them.

You're nearly finished.

Just answer a few short questions to finish your journey and download an optional certificate.