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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do many of you drink ( within the legal anount) and drive?

212 replies

RebornFlame · 22/08/2019 20:05

Round here we have no public transport and taxis close up shop about 8/9pm. Most people I know will be a designated driver but often have a pint and then soft drinks. Some a bit more. Non off thier face drunk. I’m a fairly new driver so usually I’ll abstain or have a drink if I know it’s hours before I’m going to drink. What’s normal for you and your area?

OP posts:
HotSauceCommittee · 22/08/2019 20:16

One or two but it’ll be over an hour before I drive and I’ll often have one with a meal right at the beginning.
I’m not breaking the law and I am careful. I like premium lager (stronger than Heineken or whatever), so I know I couldn’t have a pint of that and then be safe to drive straight after.

picklemepopcorn · 22/08/2019 20:17

One, only if I'm eating, since I was about 45 with loads of driving experience. I'm the only driver, I'd never get a pint otherwise. I was not a drop when younger.

MrsGrindah · 22/08/2019 20:18

There is no legal amount
What does that mean?

fishonabicycle · 22/08/2019 20:20

One and done. Definitely - and probably only if I was eating.

AnnaMariaDreams · 22/08/2019 20:20

I don’t have any because I’m a lightweight and find stopping at one difficult so if driving I stick to soft drinks.
DH does the same.

DeedleTwee · 22/08/2019 20:20

Never ever. Too paranoid.

BrokenWing · 22/08/2019 20:21

I live rurally and it is not unusual to drink and drive around here.

I think that is one of the reasons why there are more accidents in rural areas, there is less transport + less chance of getting caught so people risk drink driving and speeding. It must be scary RidgedPerfection driving home after a night out knowing there is a higher likehood other drivers on the road are taking careless risks that could result in you being involved in an accident with them.

NovemberWitch · 22/08/2019 20:23

No, never have in 40 years of driving. I am short and skinny and abhor chancers who drink and drive. I love a drink, but I didn’t ever see the point of blurring the line.

JaceLancs · 22/08/2019 20:23

I only go out for meals so with food a single gin n tonic or small glass of wine will keep me well under the limit
Probably consumed over 2-3 hours
DP and I take it in turns to drive - he is 6’4” and very beefy so can drink more but usually sticks to half of lager and a gin n tonic
If we go out as a family DS isn’t interested in drinking so will always offer to drive - DD and I make the most of it!

BenjiB · 22/08/2019 20:23

When I was younger (many many years ago) I probably did but never in the last 25 years. I rarely drink anyway, maybe twice a year. My husband doesn’t drink at all so would always drive if we went out together.

Lastnightajdsavedmylife · 22/08/2019 20:24

I don’t drink and drive and think the limit should be zero

dexterslockedintheshedagain · 22/08/2019 20:25

It all depends on the individual and their body's ability to metabolise the alcohol. I've seen a functioning alcoholic, having totalled a car, blow 165 yet appear as sober as a judge. The limit is 35 (in breath). His judgement was still impaired, despite the appearance of sobriety.
It really should be zero, to avoid the confusion. You drive, don't drink. You drink, don't drive.

flowery · 22/08/2019 20:25

With the voting, is YABU yes I’d have a drink, or no I wouldn’t?

Pinkblueberry · 22/08/2019 20:25

My DH does (I have no issue with that) but I don’t. I’m a bit of a nervous driver anyway though and I like to drink wine when out - and depending how much I’ve eaten just a small rosé can feel like it’s gone to my head Confused

OpenYourEyes · 22/08/2019 20:28

I woukdnt drink anything because A) one drink makes me tipsy and B) I am not a confident driver.

My DP has one of he is driving. I suspect he would have two if I didn't absolutely put my foot down.

glittertissues · 22/08/2019 20:28

I live in England and if I’m driving I don’t even have one alcoholic drink, of any size. It’s not worth the risk.

Expressedways · 22/08/2019 20:30

I rarely do because I live in a city so don’t actually drive that often but I have on occasion had 1 small glass of wine with a meal and driven home a couple of hours later.

Celebelly · 22/08/2019 20:30

Never. I'm in Scotland anyway so there's barely any leeway, but even prior to the change in law, I wouldn't touch a drink if I was going to be driving that day or early the next day.

RidgedPerfection · 22/08/2019 20:30

@BrokenWing it's just utterly selfish of people. I grew up rurally, moved away for many years and now live rurally again (in a different area) and the difference in acceptability or not of drink driving between different environments is stark.

flowery · 22/08/2019 20:30

I would, by the way. I’d have one at the beginning of the night, and by the time I got anywhere near the car to drive home from the station maybe 4 hours later it would have been metabolised.

Wolfiefan · 22/08/2019 20:31

I won’t have alcohol and then drive. I couldn’t possibly know whether I was under the limit or not. It’s just a risk I don’t need to take. I don’t have to have alcohol. I’d rather arrive home in one piece.

BarrenFieldofFucks · 22/08/2019 20:32

I might have a small one before driving.

Greatnorthwoods · 22/08/2019 20:32

We never go out, just drink at home, I will have one or two before driving.

We live in northern Maine, extremely rural. It’s not uncommon to see locals drinking a beer while driving.

Doyouthinktheysaurus · 22/08/2019 20:32

I don't drink any alcohol at all if I'm driving. Just would never do it, nor would DH.

maddy68 · 22/08/2019 20:33

I have never driven over the limit but I do drink within the limit and drive. However I do think it Audi depends on how alcohol affects you. My son for instance couldnt have a pint and drive as it affects him badly