MOTORISTS in Bucks are being warned ot to succumb to the temptation of a summertime drink before getting back behind the wheel as beer garden weather begins to return to the south east.
A leading road safety charity is advising road-users to leave their cars behind if they think they may be likely to enjoy a spot of alcohol on a social outing.
Peter Rodger, chief examiner at The Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "Summer is a time of BBQs, jam-packed beer gardens and festivals. But it sees a rise in drink-drive casualties too.
"Enjoy yourself and leave the car at home if you plan to celebrate with a drink."
He has offered the following tips on resisting the temptation to drink and drive.
* It's better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve had a few at a summer celebration, don’t try to calculate whether or not you are over the limit. It’s always best to make it "none for the road".
* Remember home measures are often larger than what you’d get in a pub.
* Many crashes involve pedestrians who have been drinking and drivers who haven’t. When walking home after a drink or two, take care and pay attention to your surroundings. When you’re driving, be aware of pedestrians who may be drunk and unpredictable - especially late at night - and be prepared for them to step out without warning.
* If you drive to a party and drink when you didn’t expect to, don’t risk it. Get a taxi or arrange for a friend or family member to collect you.
* A drinking session the night before might put you over the legal limit the following day. Keep this in mind and organise alternative travel plans for the next morning.
* If you are involved in a road accident you will be breathalysed. Don’t risk it, or somebody else’s mistake could become your problem – being hit from behind while sitting at a red traffic light could get you banned.
* Ignore peer pressure. Friends may try to persuade you to risk driving rather than paying for a taxi – but it is your licence, liberty and safety that is at stake.
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