Don’t mix your pedals and your Pimms

If you’re planning to have a few drinks at a barbeque this summer don’t cycle home, warns the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

Although drink-driving is socially unacceptable, many people wouldn’t think twice about cycling home after consuming more than the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “Cycling crashes are underreported, and we need more research into hospital-based records to see how big this problem really is. A lot of cyclists that fall off under the influence just go to A&E, meaning the police never record the incident.

“Many people will have a bit of a wobble on the way home, but while you may be of less risk to other road users than when in a car, you could easily fall into a dangerous situation or cause someone else to swerve and crash to avoid you. If your cycling does result in a collision you are likely to come off worse.

“It is often the case that people who have had a couple of extra drinks will be cycling home in the dark, increasing the danger involved.”

Drink-cycling can also cost you financially. Anyone riding a cycle under the influence of drink (or drugs) to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of it on either a road or other public place, can be fined up to £1,000.

So if you’re planning to use any public right-of-way with excessive levels of alcohol in your body this summer, then you are better off in a cab or getting a lift.

Author: Lee Sibbald, July 29, 2010
Filed under: Fleet news,IAM

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