29 December 2008
Motorists are being urged not to get in their cars if they have any doubts about their alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking.
Research carried out by the AA shows that 80% of drivers think they may have been over the drink drive limit after having consumed alcohol the night before.
It also reveals that 47% of drivers know someone who has taken to the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.
Edmund King, President of the AA, said: "Don't let the morning after be a morning disaster. If in doubt don't take the car out."
According to government guidelines, it takes at least one hour for each half pint, measure of spirit or glass of wine to exit a person's system.
Meanwhile, research from the women's car insurance provider Diamond reveals that one in ten men would consider themselves safe to drive after consuming between three and four units of alcohol, compared to one in 100 women.
As well as putting lives at risk, drink drivers also risk higher car insurance premiums, a driving ban, fines or even a prison sentence.