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News Report Page 7 of 25
Publication Date:-
2023-12-11
 
News reports located on this page = 2.

More than 10,000 drivers were arrested in 2022 for drink driving during the festive season

MORE than 10,000 drivers were arrested in 2022 for drink driving offences during the festive season. And new data reveals how drivers in London, Northern Ireland and West Yorkshire were some of the worst offenders during festivities. That's according to Confused.com, who asked UK Police Forces how many drink driving arrests were made between:- November 2022 and January 2023.

Over the festive period, data shows that December was the worst month overall, with Police across the UK making a total of 3,581 arrests. The Met Police were the busiest, with 508 arrests made during December. This was almost double the number of arrests made in Northern Ireland, but both had some of the highest drink driving numbers. Here's a list of the Top 5 offending areas in the UK:-
 
Police Force Nov 2022 Dec 2022 Jan 2023 Total
Met Police 457 508 490 1455
Northern Ireland 236 262 181 679
West Yorkshire 199 244 200 643
West Midlands 186 226 199 611
Thames Valley 176 250 165 591

Over the coming weeks, millions of people across the UK celebrate both Christmas and New Years. So with this there's lots of opportunity to drink alcohol at work parties, family gatherings, and other social events. But it's clear that the lead up to Christmas is a prime time for offences. And further research gathered by Confused.com of 2,000 motorists reveals that the majority (79%) have already planned their social events for this year. And although not everyone is tempted, there's the risk that some may choose to drive after drinking alcohol. Especially as 22% said they tend to drink more alcohol around Christmas. And it's evident from the latest research that some drivers do risk it. That's as 48% of those surveyed admitted to drink-driving in the past. And 25% of those said that they'd do it again. Reasons for driving after drinking alcohol included:-

  • Being certain they were within the legal limit (54%)
     

  • Only having a couple of drinks (40%)
     

  • Feeling sober and in control to drive (35%)

Others said that they drove because they had a big meal before drinking (18%) or because they didn't have far to drive (16%). And some even risked it because it was late at night (12%) or because they didn't think there would be any Police around (7%).

In the UK, there are strict alcohol limits when it comes to driving, although these limits vary depending on where you live in the UK. So how many units of alcohol is acceptable to have before driving? It's impossible to say exactly how many alcoholic drinks are within the legal limit as it can depend on the person. Things like your weight, height and metabolism determine how quickly alcohol leaves the system.

Alcohol can stay in your system a long time, even the morning after drinking. So even if you're not risking getting behind the wheel the same night after festive celebrations, it can be just as dangerous the morning after. To work out whether you're still above the limit, Confused.com's morning after calculator can help. The calculator helps to estimate the alcohol levels in your system based on how many drinks were consumed the night before.

So although drivers might think they're being sensible by not drink driving on the same day, the aftermath can be just as dangerous. In fact, around 28% drivers admitted they've driven the morning after when they might have been over the limit. When asked how they judged their ability to drive, 35% said that they based it off how they were feeling that morning. Others said they assumed the alcohol had worn off after sleeping (34%). 18% said they had calculated how many drinks they had the previous night in relation to how much time had passed. And drivers should be wary that Police presence on the roads doesn't shy away at certain times of the year. And if caught, the punishment is taken seriously due to the nature of the offence. If caught drink-driving, motorists could receive an unlimited fine, a driving ban, and imprisonment. But that's not all. Drivers could see their car insurance costs increase or have their work-life impacted, especially if their job involves driving. And when it comes to travel, some countries such as the USA might not allow entry. So the consequences of driving after drinking alcohol could be life changing.

Motor expert Louise Thomas at Confused.com car insurance comments:- "The majority of drivers won't take the chance of drink-driving, but the latest Police data shows how it's still a problem on UK roads. Especially at this time of year. Driving while under the influence of alcohol can put both drivers and other road users at risk, which is why the consequences are taken so seriously. If caught, drivers could face unlimited fines, a driving ban and imprisonment. If you rely on driving for work, this could affect your job security. And it's also likely that you could see an increase to the cost of your car insurance. If you've planned to go out over the festive period and you're drinking alcohol, don't drive. But if you need to drive the day after drinking, remember that this could be just as risky. Our morning after calculator can help estimate your alcohol levels before you decide to get back on the road."

 


'Oh Me Oh My' this Christmas in Liverpool

THIS Christmas:- 'Oh Me Oh My' have got 2 incredible festive events happening in December. With the season of all things glittery and merry now in full swing, their:- 'Santa's Meet And Greet' is taking place across select dates and then, to see out 2023 in the finest of celebratory styles, there's a special:- 'Disco Afternoon Tea' on:- Sunday, 31 December 2023.

Santa's Meet And Greet - select dates through December...


This December, join Santa at:- 'Oh Me Oh My' for a festive treat for the whole family.

On select dates throughout December, the main man himself is resident in the City's wonderful home of celebration at Santa's Meet and Greet. Not only will little ones meet Santa in his sitting room located on the cosy mezzanine and receive a gift to take home, everyone will also enjoy some delicious festive food and drinks, whilst having the opportunity to visit:- a small selection of wonderful independent market stalls within the twinkly main space of:- 'Oh Me Oh My.'

It's time to bring the little ones, their grandparents and all the nearest and dearest to take some time out from a very busy Christmas schedule to relax and make some beautiful memories. Dates are:-

  • Sunday, 17 December 2023.
     

  • Wednesday, 20 December 2023.
     

  • Thursday, 21 December 2023.
     

  • Saturday, 23 December 2023.
     

  • Sunday, 24 December 2023.

Tickets:- Fatsoma.com.

 

Disco Afternoon Tea - New Year's Eve

'Oh Me Oh My's'
Disco Afternoon Tea returns to help send off the last day of 2023 with an abundance of savoury and sweet-toothed delights; and plenty of disco, too.

This is perfect for those who want to ring in the new year slightly earlier than usual; families are welcome and there's a children's afternoon tea option too.

On Sunday, 31 December 2023, from:- midday to 4pm, will be sound tracked by a DJ spinning disco classics and is the perfect opportunity to dig out the sequins and dancing shoes for all. To book adult and child tickets:- Info@OhMeOhMyLiverpool.Co.UK.

'Oh Me Oh My's'
stunning space downstairs serves a wonderful afternoon tea service and is bookable for weddings and events. And for the warmer months, the roof garden escape:- 'Goodness Gracious' has possibly Liverpool's finest views, high above the streets with the 3 Graces beyond and glittering waterfront.

For more information please go to:- OhMeOhMyLiverpool.Co.UK.

 
      
 
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