The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
On average there are over 80 drink-related road casualties in Suffolk every year.
Drinking and driving occurs over a wide range of age groups but particularly among young men aged 17-29.
Drink driving is a year round problem.
Alcohol affects reaction times and judgement of speed and distance.
There is no failsafe guide as to how much you can drink and stay under the limit because people react differently according to age, sex, weight, metabolism and the amount and type of alcohol consumed.
Alcohol disperses from the body at a fixed rate, so showers, coffee, or other methods of "sobering up" don't make any difference. Alcohol may still be in the bloodstream the next day.
The only safe option is not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive
The Law
Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5000, and a minimum sentence of 12 months driving ban.
The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis is a maximum 6 months' imprisonment, up to £5000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a minimum 2 year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.
