Drinking or drug use

Alcohol slows your reaction times and impairs your judgement of risk, speed, and distance. The only safe option is not to drive if you intend to drink.

Plan your journey home

If you are not staying overnight, you could:

• designate a driver who won't drink
• book a taxi
• use public transport (check bus or train schedules in advance)
• if it's a safe option, walk home (plan your route)

The morning after

Even if you feel fine the next day, you might still exceed the legal alcohol limit. Factors such as age, gender, weight, and the timing of your last meal affect how long alcohol stays in your system.

The only way to ensure alcohol has sufficiently cleared your body is by allowing time. Coffee, sleep, and showers will not accelerate this process.

Breathalyser tests can detect alcohol for up to 24 hours after drinking. Make sure to plan your activities to ensure safe driving.

View a guide to the minimum time to allow before driving.

Medication and driving

Never drive under the influence of illegal substances. 

For prescription medication, check the side effects. For example, antidepressants can cause drowsiness and impair driving ability.