Binge drinking changes your normal behaviour – it can make you more aggressive and more likely to commit a crime.
Alcohol can also diminish your senses and make you more vulnerable to becoming a victim of crime.
The simple message is to think before you drink and to know your limits.
Going out tonight?
- Leave the car at home and use public transport or book a licensed taxi.
- Use a taxi marshalling scheme if there's one in your town.
- Know your limits and drink sensibly. Stop when you know you have had enough.
- Make sure you and your friends all look after one another and all get home safely.
- Avoid confrontation – walk away instead.
Did you know?
- You can get an £80 fine for urinating in the street.
- You could lose your job because you’ve got a criminal record after fighting when you were drunk.
- You’re less in control if you’re drunk and more vulnerable to being a victim of crime, including having your wallet or mobile phone stolen or being assaulted.
- It takes you longer to react so you could be knocked down in a road traffic collision.
Drinking and driving
If you are caught behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol you could face:
- A minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.
- The offence of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a disqualification of at least 2 years.