What is your Plan B?
In 2021, 17% of NSW road fatalities were attributed to drunk driving. But even with the known dangers of drinking and driving, people still make that wrong call when faced with inconvenience or believing they can get away ‘scot-free’. This holiday season, adhere to the government’s message – Don’t drink and drive. No matter how little you have, have a Plan B for getting home safely!
People often underestimate the effects ‘a few drinks’ can have on their driving skills and overestimate their ability as a driver. Many people believe there are methods to reduce their blood alcohol concentration and ‘sober up’ to potentially beat a drink driving breath test. These may include eating or exercising to ‘flush out’ the alcohol in the system. Unfortunately, these methods do not work. In fact, for two hours after you have stopped drinking, your BAC level continues to rise and no amount of food, coffee, exercise or sleep will reduce it.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Facts:
A 0.05 reading means you are at double the risk of having an accident
A 0.08 reading means you are 7 times more likely to be involved in an accident
A 0.15 reading means you are 25 times more likely to be in an accident
Q: So what is a safe amount of alcohol to have if you are intending to drive later?
A: None; there is no ‘safe’ BAC level.
The effects of driving with alcohol in one’s system, even in only small amounts, are wide-ranging and impossible to avoid. These include:
Slowed brain function
Reduced ability to make decisions or react quickly
Elevated confidence, leading to greater risk-taking
Reduced balance and coordination
Increased drowsiness, making it easier to fall asleep at the wheel.
The ‘Plan B’ campaign aims to encourage NSW drivers to make positive choices to get home safely after drinking. The new ‘Terry Godmother’ television commercial further promotes the Plan B options available to NSW commuters and highlights the physiological impacts alcohol has on a person’s ability to drive.