Too Much Christmas Pudding May Put You Over the Drink Drive Limit

Merry Brits are warned to drive safely by avoiding booze-soaked festive treats this Christmas. Some motoring experts have urged drivers to stay below the legal blood-alcohol level as they attend Christmas functions this December. 

Under the Road Safety Act 1967, it is an offence to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of over 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The penalties for drunk driving in the UK depend on the severity of the offence, but those caught should expect to receive six months in prison, an unlimited fine or a driving ban of at least 12 months.

When attending festive parties this season, motorists are being urged to limit their alcohol intake by paying attention to the food they are eating.

Many drivers are unaware that the alcohol content in their favourite festive treats could send them over the strict drink-drive limit.

It’s impossible to say exactly how many drinks or how much boozy food will make someone over the limit because it’s dependent on weight, age, sex and metabolism.

Among the festive treats to avoid are Christmas pudding, as some contain over 30 per cent ABV, and one too many portions could put a driver over the limit.

Tiramisu is another popular festive dessert option containing high levels of alcohol. Just two portions of this coffee-flavoured favourite may hinder Brits from driving safely.

Although mince pies aren’t commonly thought to contain high levels of alcohol, manufacturers include up to 4.5 per cent brandy content in their pies, making them a dangerous delicacy for anyone getting behind the wheel.

Alcohol can severely impact the ability to drive, and police guidelines advise avoiding alcohol entirely as even ‘just one drink’ could put motorists over the limit.

Motorists attending Christmas events must also be aware any alcohol consumed may still be in their system the next day, which could affect their ability to drive safely.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “There is a worrying disbelief that alcohol in food doesn’t count and that it just burns off while it’s cooking, which is not always the case.

“Some festive treats contain over 30 per cent ABV – alcohol-free products are currently defined in England as products with an ABV rating not exceeding 0.05%.

“So motorists should be on the lookout this festive season for booze-filled desserts and sweet treats that could unknowingly put drivers over the drunk drive limit, especially when paired with an alcoholic beverage.

“Those convicted for a drunk driving offence risk a massive increase in insurance premiums, unlimited fines,  losing their licence and even imprisonment. It’s essential to think twice if you are a designated driver this Christmas and always err on caution. “