Drink Smart this Festive Season
The festive season is a time to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy precious moments with friends and family. As we embrace the spirit of Christmas, it’s just as important to stay aware of our choices, especially around drinking. This month, we’re focusing on how we can all enjoy the festivities smartly, safely, and responsibly.
Key tips for drinking smart
This festive season, enjoying a few drinks is part of the fun, but it’s important to stay in control and look after yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to set a limit before you start drinking; decide how many drinks you’ll have and stick to it. Pairing alcohol with food can also help slow its effects, and sipping water between drinks keeps you hydrated and feeling better the next day.
It’s equally important to pace yourself. Alcohol doesn’t hit your system all at once, so give your body time to process each drink. Choosing lighter or lower-alcohol options can make a noticeable difference, helping you enjoy the evening without overdoing it.
Looking after your friends is part of drinking smart too. Keep an eye on each other, and make sure no one exceeds their limit or puts themselves at risk. Planning your journey home in advance is just as crucial. Never rely on luck, consider pre-booking a taxi or arranging a designated driver.
Finally, always listen to your body. If you start feeling unwell or unsure, stop drinking and take a break. Trusting your instincts and staying mindful of your intake ensures that your celebrations remain fun, safe, and memorable for everyone involved.
Responsible travel during the festive period
During the festive season, getting home safely is just as important as enjoying the celebrations. Plan your journey ahead of time, choose a safe way to travel, and stick with friends where possible. Remember, even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive, so make responsible choices and look after yourself and those around you.
The consequences of Drink Driving
Drink driving is a serious offence, but do you know the alcohol drive limit? In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it’s 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath, while in Scotland it’s just 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath. Knowing the units in each drink can help you stay under the limit and get home safely.
The consequences of drink driving can be severe, affecting your legal record, finances, and even your professional life. Penalties can include a driving ban of up to one year, an unlimited fine, or up to six months in prison. In the most serious cases, drink driving can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Drink Driving statistics
In December 2024, police conducted 58,675 roadside tests for drink and/or drugs across the UK, with 9.7% of drivers testing positive for alcohol. During the festive period, December was the worst month overall for drink-driving arrests, with 3,581 drivers caught for offences; nearly double the number from previous years. Additionally, 79% of drivers reported attending social events that could lead to drink driving, highlighting the risks associated with driving after consumption of alcohol.
When it comes to collisions involving alcohol, the data shows that 79% involved male drivers. Female drivers represent 20% of the data, with less than 1% of recorded collisions where gender is not listed.
Drink-driving remains a major cause of harm on UK roads: it accounts for around 17% of all road deaths, with Government data showing that 290–320 people are killed each year in collisions involving a driver over the limit. Overall, an estimated 6,800 people were killed or injured in 2022 where at least one driver was above the drink-drive limit.
A family affected by a drink driver
On Christmas Eve, an elderly pedestrian was struck by a drunk driver while walking home from church. The injuries were catastrophic, and the family faced the unimaginable decision to end life support just days later.
The shock and grief from this incident have been profound. The family has spoken publicly to urge others to never drink and drive, sharing their story to highlight the devastating consequences that one careless decision can have. Drink driving doesn’t only put the driver at risk, it can destroy lives, shatter families, and leave a permanent void in the lives of loved ones.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and driving do not mix. Even a single poor choice can change lives forever, leaving long-lasting emotional and practical consequences that ripple far beyond the moment of the crash.
Know your limits
Ever wondered how many units are in your festive drinks? A medium glass of wine (175ml), a pint of beer or lager, a 125ml glass of champagne and a single shot of spirits all have different amounts, depending on their ABV. By using the formula Volume (ml) x ABV / 1000, it’s easy to see the units in each drink and make more informed choices this festive season.
Remember, even small differences in ABV can add up over the course of an evening. Keeping track of your units helps you make informed choices, whether you’re toasting with a glass of champagne, sharing a few beers with friends, or enjoying a spirit or cocktail. Being aware of how much alcohol you’re consuming ensures your festive season stays fun, balanced, and safe... and it can help you avoid the unpleasant after-effects of drinking too much.