Tipsy at the wheel; some interesting facts to dissuade you
By: Chris Rowlands | Posted: 30th May 2007
Hands up those of you who have at one point or other thought about driving when just that little bit tipsy. You try to justify it to yourself be saying “I’ve only had a couple, I feel fine” The reality of this is somewhat darker. Along with the consumption of alcohol comes the inflated sense of confidence, this may lull you into a false sense of security.
If you do a bit of research into the subject on, for example; the Metropolitan Police website, you will find that there is no specified limit on the maximum number of units consumed before driving. This is due to the fact that every person is different and a fixed amount of units will affect all people differently owing to metabolism, height, weight, age, etc. Therefore the Police specify that you should not drink at all before driving.
This may come as bad news to those of you who consider 1 pint safe game, but that 1 pint could make all the difference. Unfortunately owing to the law, if you were to have an accident and be breathalysed this could still go against you.
If you are caught drink driving, this will effectively blacklist you when it comes time for car insurance renewal. You could find your premium will escalate by up to 55%, even higher in some circumstances. You will have to inform the insurance company of this conviction for the next 5 years. This could end up costing you thousands in the long run. In fact, although this conviction would be void after 3 years, you will still have to keep it on the paper licence for 11 years (not the standard 4 as with speeding fines, etc.) You may even find the cost of policy renewal to be entirely prohibitive.
The group reported to be of the highest risk are those under 25. Cases of drink driving in this age group are dramatically on the increase. People of this age already pay much more for their policy as they are seen as high risk by insurance companies. A thought that many insurance companies have in common, with much evidence to substantiate it. Imagine trying to find cheap car insurance if you are under 25 and gain a conviction for drink driving!
If you cause an accident or injure another person as a result of driving whilst under the influence, you could find yourself with a jail sentence. Never mind the loss of licence you would most probably incur, this is of small consequence in comparison.
The lesson to be learned is as follows; if you are planning to drive, do not drink any alcoholic beverage at all.
About the Author
Chris Rowlands is a UK based author with experience within the financial sector centering on insurances.
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Tags: bad news, consumption, sense of security, high risk, 3 years, age group, conviction, insurance company, pint, metabolism, false sense of security, insurance companies, maximum number, height weight, car insurance, 11 years, speeding fines, insurance renewal