New Year revellers warned of morning-after ‘killer cocktail’
RACQ’s general manager for external relations, Gary Fites, said those planning to see in 2009 should also plan to avoid driving too soon tomorrow.
“While responsible revellers will avoid drinking and driving tonight, they also need to be aware that a generous intake of celebratory alcohol is likely to remain in their systems for hours after the last drink,” Mr Fites said.
“Given the rule-of-thumb indicating it takes an hour for one’s body to process a standard alcoholic drink, it’s quite likely that many revellers could still be over the 0.05 BAC legal limit well into New Year’s Day.
“That not only poses a real crash risk but also a strong risk of detection given that police are likely to be out in force again to detect those drivers who are still under the influence from the night before.”
Mr Fites said too much partying and too little sleep could itself pose a fatigue risk for anyone planning to drive too early on New Year’s Day.
“Combine that lack of sleep with a generous dose of alcohol and you have the makings of a lethal cocktail for anyone driving too soon after a big night out,” he said.
“We would warn anyone partying seriously tonight against planning any long drives tomorrow.
“But be aware that the effects of fatigue and alcohol can be just as dangerous in short trips around town as they can on the open highway.”
