The costs of drink driving in the UK

The month of December, 2008, saw a huge number of people being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as police arrested nearly 300 people a day during their one month festive clampdown on drivers across the UK.

About 5% of the more than 183 000 drivers tested over the month were found to be over the legal limit. Motorists under the age of twenty five were also found to be more likely to be driving after a few too many drinks.
Police and officials agree that driving under the influence of any substance, whether it is alcohol or drugs is just not acceptable. Alcohol and drugs impair the ability to judge speed and distances, and they reduce driver concentration and delay the speed of motorists reactions.

A awful proof that drink driving ruins lives, a 2007 statistic shows that 460 people died in drink driving related accidents in that year alone. Currently, anyone arrested for drink driving is required to give blood and DNA samples, and convicted offenders face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record and a hefty fine.
Not only will a drink driving accident be potentially fatal, but any damage to your vehicle caused while you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be paid out for by your car insurance provider. In addition to this, even a minor accident and claim will mean that you could lose your no claims discount and have to then pay for the repairs yourself.

A conviction for drink driving will also mean that it will be harder to get car insurance in future, and your premiums will be much higher. It is best to ask someone else to drive if you have had a drink too many, or to leave your car and catch a taxi or night bus home. Dont risk your life, and the lives of others, by getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

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