Be on the right side of luck this St. Patrick's day

We're issuing advice to help to ensure everyone gets home safely this St. Patrick's day.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth says:  “Be careful when walking home. Pedestrians who have had a few drinks are at greater risk; alcohol impairs judgement and reduces the ability to judge speed and distance. It can also increase willingness to take risks, often resulting in pedestrians stumbling into the road and being hit by drivers who have no chance of avoiding them.

“We certainly don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment... However, we are committed to reduce drink-driving and the significant risks it creates for all road users.”

Stay safe

GEM has the following safety tips to ensure safe enjoyment of St. Patrick's day:

· If you’ve had a few drinks and may be walking home from the pub in the dark, make sure you can be seen by drivers and riders.

· Never let mates walk home drunk on their own.

· If you’re going out to celebrate, then pre-book your taxi home, or share lifts and agree a designated driver.

· If you need to drive home, don’t take any risks and stay on soft drinks while you’re out.

· If you have a few late-night drinks at home, then don’t plan to drive the following morning as you could still be over the drink-drive limit.

Avoid the penalties

Anyone convicted of drink-driving faces a mandatory ban of at least 12 months, with a fine of up to £5,000 and a possible prison sentence of up to six months.

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GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

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