Life Choices on the Road

www.dorset.police.uk
02 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Contents

Introduction 03 As a Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter User 21

Journey Preparation 04 Driving in Great Britain 22
‘Two-Second Rule’ 05
Tiredness & Fatigue 06 The Fatal Five 23
Emergency Vehicles 07 1. Inappropriate Speed 24
Speed Limits 25
Life on the road 08 Community Speed Watch 26
Vulnerable Road Users 09 2. Failing to Wear a Seatbelt 27
Vulnerable Passengers 10 3. Distraction eg. Using a Mobile Phone 28
As a Pedestrian 11 4. Drink Driving 29
On Two Wheels - Cycling 13 Should you Drive the Morning After? 30
On Two Wheels - e-Scooters 14 Drug Driving 31
On Two Wheels - Mopeds/Motorcycles 15 5. Careless And Inconsiderate Driving 32
As a New Driver 17 Coping Strategies 33
Driving for Work 18 Action Plan 34
Using Agricultural Vehicles 19
Older Drivers 20 Contact Information 35

www.dorset.police.uk
03 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Introduction

Dorset, Devon & Cornwall Roads Policing Alliance are committed to making our
roads safer for all road users - so that residents and visitors can use the roads with
confidence, free from death or injury.

Alongside enforcement and engineering, education plays a vital part in reducing risk
and the number of incidents on our roads.

This guide has been produced to provide accurate and informative advice to all
road users about how they can be even safer on the roads.

We all like to think we are safe road users and we rarely make mistakes, but 95% of all
incidents are caused by human error.

Make an effort to consider your own attitude and how this might affect others on the
road. Even the most experienced people make mistakes.
Having a mutual understanding and respect between all
road users will ultimately lead to a culture of courtesy
and care that will make our roads safer for everyone. 95% of
So please, take the time to read and refer to this guide, incident all
and share it with family and friends, so we can work caused s are
together to make our roads even safer.
human by
error
04 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Towing Advice
If you are going to be towing
Journey Preparation anything here are some safety
tips:

Plan your route in advance, including time for breaks and always consider weather • Ensure the towing hitch/
conditions before setting off, then allow extra time for your journey if necessary. stabiliser is correctly attached.
You should make sure that your vehicle is road worthy by checking the following: • Ensure the breakaway cable
is attached.
Fuel: Do you have enough fuel for your journey? • Check the jockey wheel is
Lights: Are all lights working and lenses clean? raised and secure.
Oil: Do you have sufficient oil, brake and steering fluid? • Check that the tyres, brakes
Water: Do you have sufficient windscreen and coolant water levels? and lights on the trailer or
Electrics: Are all electric systems functioning correctly? Any warning lights showing? caravan are working and
Rubber: Are tyres worn or flat (minimum legal tread depth 1.6 mm) and are the in good order.
windscreen wipers worn? • Check the gas is off and
You: Are you fit to drive? correctly stowed.
• Know the speed limits and
weight limits for towing.
Fuel Efficiency
• Try to keep moving by driving smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road
ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
• Drive within the speed limit.
• The faster you go the more fuel you use. Driving at 70 mph uses up 9% more fuel
than at 60 mph and up to 15% more fuel than driving at 50 mph.
• If you are likely to be queuing for more than 3 minutes, switch off your engine and
save fuel. It’s also better for the environment.
05 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Driving too close to the

‘Two-Second’ Rule’

You should always drive with at least a two-

second time gap between you and vehicle in
front and you can work it out like this:

• On a dry road, choose a point like a lamp

post or road sign.

• When the vehicle in front passes that point,

say out loud “Only a fool breaks the
two-second rule”.

• Check your position in relation to your

chosen point as you finish saying this. If you
have already passed the point, you are
driving too close to the vehicle in front and
need to drop back.

• In wet weather, double the distance

between your vehicle and the one in front
of you by saying “Only a fool breaks the
two-second rule” twice.
06 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Tiredness & Fatigue

It is estimated that drivers who fall asleep at

the wheel account for around one fifth of
incidents on major roads. To avoid this;

• Don’t start a long trip if you’re already tired.

• Plan your journey to include 15-minute

break every two hours.

• The only real cure for tiredness is proper

sleep. A caffeine drink and a 20-minute
nap are a short-term solution.

Mental and physical fatigue through working

long hours, lack of rest and/or not eating
properly or getting de-hydrated could lead to
a lapse in concentration, reduced reaction
time and poor decision making over safety
critical issues.
07 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Emergency Vehicles

By following a few simple steps, you can help the emergency services get to the
scene faster and safer:

1. When you hear sirens, keep calm and stay alert.

2. When you see blue flashing lights scan the road looking for a place that will allow
the emergency vehicle safe passage. You should use your indicators or hand
signals to let other drivers and the emergency vehicle driver know your intent to
pull over.

3. Don’t slam on your brakes or stop abruptly blocking the road or a junction.

4. Do not mount the pavement causing a danger to other road users.

5. Wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for more than one. Check to
make sure the way is clear and signal before moving back into traffic.

6. Never follow or try to outrun an emergency vehicle. If you do, you will most likely
be breaking the speed limit and could also face charges of careless or
dangerous driving.

7. You must not cross the stop line at a red traffic light unless directed to do so by a
uniformed Police Officer, otherwise you may be liable to prosecution.

8. Never try to overtake a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights unless
directed to do so by a police officer or emergency personnel.
Life on the Road

www.dorset.police.uk
 09 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Vulnerable Road Users

You should always drive with safety in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions.

The road users most at risk from road traffic are:

• Pedestrians (see pages 11 & 12): in particular children, older adults and disabled
people. At junctions, give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road.

• Cyclists (see page 13) and horse riders (including horse drawn vehicles): Cyclists
and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Motorists should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists if they are
approaching, passing, or moving off from a junction, around a roundabout or waiting
alongside stationary or slow-moving traffic.

• Motorcyclists (see pages 15 & 16): Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and
pedestrians walking in the road (e.g. where there is no pavement), at least as
much room as you would when overtaking a car. They may suddenly need to
avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers, oily, wet, or icy

i d yo u know? patches on the road.

D hts
lig
Street lly mean Horse riders under the age of 14 must wear a helmet that is fastened securely.
a
gener h unless
30 mp ise specified. Dorset Horse Watch Scheme:
otherw 4 horse_watch@dorset.pnn.police.uk & www.bhs.org.uk
Rule 12
10 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD
Child C
a rS eats
Babies
m
Vulnerable Passengers rear-fa ust travel
c
not exc ing. They sho
e u
within ed 30 minut ld
their in e s
car sea fa
Child Passengers
t, unles nt carrier
emerge s in an
ncy.
All children under the age of 12 years old or the height of 135cm (4ft 5ins)
MUST use the appropriate child restraint correct for their weight and height
when travelling in a vehicle. The child restraint MUST meet the legal requirements
for crash testing standards of ECE R44/04 and ECE R129/i-Size.

Child restraint means;

• Baby infant carrier • Child car seat (forward/rear facing) • High back booster seat
All child restraints MUST have clear instructions for use and be fitted correctly. The latest
R129 standard encourages children to sit in the vehicle travelling rearward facing for
safety and skeletal bone development reasons.

A baby MUST travel rear facing until at least 9kg (21lbs) about 10 months. However, it
is much safer to continue rear facing as the child grows up in a car seat suitable for
their weight and height. As the R129 is height of the child, a baby MUST be rear facing
until at least 15 months and 76cm. If they are over 15 months but not at 76cm keep
them rear facing.

The i-Size seats are designed to fit into any approved positions in an i-Size certified
h a t about
vehicle. Checked with the compatibility list of the vehicle it is going to be fitted in. W ags?
ISOFIX is a connection system to make fitting of child car seat easier. Check the Air B assenger airbaginmg uast
ont p re fitt
instructions for all connections points as many include a support leg and or tether The fr tivated befo t. Child car
c a
be dea ing baby se d in side-
and they must be used. NOT ALL CHILD RESTRAINTS FIT ALL VEHICLES. ac
rear-f annot be fitt
e
c .
seats ehicle seats 01)
v rule 1
For help and guidance please visit www.goodeggcarsafety.com facing ay Code
(Highw
 11 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

hem to s: As a Pedestrian…
c h t
Tea ree thing
do th ing
s
a cros
1. Use sible. Babies/Toddlers
if pos t the kerb.
pa
2. Sto right, left, Buggy or push chair:
k .
3. Loo right again • Strap in your child securely.
the n • Keep yourself & the buggy well back from
the edge of the road
• When going down hills, use a strap that
goes around your wrist and around the
buggy handle.

When your child starts to walk with you:

• Make sure hand holding is your number
one rule.
• Use safety reins or a wrist strap.

It is recommended to
hold hands until Fact:
your child is Every w
at least eight. eight c eek on avera
h g
the ag ildren under e
e of six
or serio are kille
Great usly injured o d
Britain n
’s road
s.
12 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

As a Pedestrian…

See and Be Seen

• Drivers need to see you so wear bright

colours or reflective clothing if you are
walking near traffic at night. Carry a
torch when walking in the dark.
Fact:
• Make eye contact with drivers when Almost on
(1 e in five
crossing busy streets. On country roads 8%) teenage
reported h rs
always walk on the right hand side
in a road a aving been
facing on-coming traffic. ccident
‘near miss or
home from’ on their way
school.
Older People

1. As we get older our eyes become less

sensitive to light so focusing takes longer.

ns
2. Reaction time is slower. pe d estria lchair
On ly e
g whe r
( in cludin ility scoote
3. Motor skills can be less effective due to m o b t he
and ) may use there
weaker muscles and that affects overall
users ent unless ing
flexibility. pavem ns prohibit
are sigtrians.
pedes
13 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Please
On Two Wheels… your Lo contact
Author cal
Bikeab ity for
Cycling Trainin ility
area! g in your
Rules & Advice:

It’s advisable to:

• Wear a cycle helmet
• Wear high visibility clothing
• Pass wide around parked vehicles
• Position where you can see and be seen in the mirror of large vehicles

You must not:

• Cycle on a pavement unless it has a marked cycle lane
• Cross a stop line when traffic lights are at red
• Carry a passenger
• Ride under the influence of drink or drugs

Cyclists can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so when in larger groups or
accompanying children or less experienced riders. However, cyclists should be aware
of drivers behind them and allow them to overtake (e.g. by moving into single file or
stopping) when it is safe to let them do so.

You MUST use a white front and red rear light at night.
14 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

On Two Wheels…

e-Scooters
• You must have the category Q entitlement on your driving licence to use
an e-Scooter.
• If you have a provisional licence, you do not need to show L plates when using
an e-Scooter.
• You must have motor insurance, which will be provided by your e-Scooter
rental operator.
• You may use a trial e-Scooter on the road (except motorways) and in cycle lanes.
• You must not use an e-Scooter on the pavement.

Helmets and clothing

Helmets and light-coloured or fluorescent clothing are recommended but are not a
legal requirement.

Other safety rules for trial e-Scooter users

• only to be used within the local area hosting the trial by one person at a time
• you must not tow anything using an e-Scooter
• you must not use a mobile phone when using an e-Scooter
• screen displayed navigation information must be set up prior to setting off
• do not hang bags or other small items from the handlebars
• do not ride an e-Scooter while drunk or otherwise intoxicated
• always refer to the terms of use of the e-Scooter operator before renting a
trial e-Scooter

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/e-scooter/trials/guidance/for/users

15 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

On Two Wheels…
Did you
Motorc k now?
y
just on clists accou
e per c nt for
road tr en
affic, b t of total
21 per ut acco
c un
Mopeds Britain ent of all Gre t for
’s road at
A moped MUST have an engine capacity not user de
aths.
exceeding 50 cc, not weigh more than 250kg and
be designed to have a maximum speed not exceeding
28mph (45 km/h). To ride a moped, learners MUST:

• Be 16 or over.
• Have a provisional licence with category AM entitlement.
• Complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
• Have appropriate insurance.

Motorcycles
There are different categories of motorbike - you’ll need to get the right entitlement
on your licence and be old enough to do so. There are different rules if you held a
motorcycle or moped licence before 19 January 2013.

Taking the full motorcycle tests

All riders have to pass the theory test before taking the motorcycle practical test.
For more information visit www.gov.uk/ride-motorcycle-moped
16 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

On Two Wheels…

Here are some top tips to help all

motorcyclists keep safe on the roads:

1. Expect the unexpected

2. Make yourself visible

3. Get your positioning right

4. Take care when overtaking (always look

over your shoulder – ‘the lifesaver’)

5. Look after your gear

6. Dress for the weather, but always wear

protective clothing

Bikesafe is a national educational initiative.

For more information visit www.bikesafe.co.uk

For more information about DocBike and how

you can get involved, visit: www.docbike.org
17 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

As a Learner or New Driver

Choosing an Instructor
• Being a good driver isn’t about knowing how to operate a vehicle.
• Choose an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) who cares about road safety and is
prepared to discuss this with you in detail.
• Don’t look for a quick pass and the cheapest is not necessarily the best.

As a New Driver
• You are vulnerable
• Consider further training so that you experience all driving conditions on all
road types
• Your car insurance premium reflects your experience

Positive Driving:
Take responsibility for your actions and give consideration to all road users.

LOOK: always take good effective all round observation.

ASSESS: think carefully about what you see and how you might be affected or
influence other road users.
DECIDE: do not hesitate; make a decision and act on it.
ACT: taking positive action gives a clear message to other road users.

For further training go to www.iamroadsmart.com

18 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Driving for Work

Driving for work can involve being behind the wheel for long distances over long time
periods. Here are some useful tips to help you stay safe when driving for work:

• Check out your employer’s ‘driving at work’ policy

• Check your vehicle
• Plan your journey
• Switch off your mobile phone
• Wear a seat belt

Better for business…

Dorset Police provide bespoke driver education sessions for people who drive for work.
These sessions include a range of useful topics including Health and Safety legislation,
vehicle dynamics and load, observation, hazard perception and driver fatigue.
(see Contacts page).

For more information visit: Did you

www.hse.gov.uk and www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com It’s est know?
around im a ted tha
t
deaths 200 road
a
injuries nd serious
in the U each week
someo K involve
ne at w
ork.
19 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Using Agricultural Machinery

& Vehicles

• Never use a machine unless you are

trained and know how to use it safely.
• Never use a machine unless it is properly
maintained.
• Wear footwear with a good grip and
appropriate clothing that won’t snag.
• Seat belts are a legal requirement on all
tractors.
• Check no-one is in danger before you
move.
• Learn the legal speed limits for the vehicle.

Rule 169 Highway Code

Do not hold up a long queue of traffic,
especially if you are driving a large
or slow-moving vehicle.

Check your mirrors frequently, and if

necessary, pull in where it is safe and let
traffic pass.
20 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Older Drivers

Driving can be stressful due to sheer volume of traffic and new engineering &
technology in vehicles that we are perhaps unfamiliar with.

Make sure you know your vehicle, what all the switches and dashboard lights are
for and know how and when to use them (refer to the vehicle handbook and the
Highway Code).

As we get older the likelihood of being injured on the road increases so it’s helpful to
become more aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them.

• Check your eyesight

• Check your health, medicines and general mobility

If you are feeling anxious about driving and notice your reactions
becoming slower it may be time to get your driving assessed
by someone qualified to do so.
The Law
For further help and advice www.olderdriversforum.com It is a le
to notif gal requirem
Vehicle y the Driver ent
(DVLA Licensing Au and
or med ) of any disab thority
could a ical conditio ility
to driv ffect your abn that
e safely ility
.
21 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

As a Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter User

Information:
• Class 1 - invalid carriage – wheelchair
• Class 2 - powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters, maximum speed limit of
4mph (6kph) Above classes designed to be used on pavements
• Class 3 – powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters, maximum speed limit of 8mph
(12kph), designed to be used on roads as well as pavements

Rules:
1. Give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users,
particularly those with a hearing or visual impairment who may not be aware that
you are there.
2. Powered wheelchairs and scooters MUST NOT travel faster than 4 mph (6 km/h) on
pavements or in pedestrian areas.
3. When you are on the road you should obey the guidance and rules for other
vehicles; when on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for
pedestrians.
4. When on the road, you should travel in the direction of the traffic. When there is no
pavement, you should use caution when on the road.
5. You MUST follow the same rules about using lights, indicators and horns as for other
road vehicles. Make yourself more visible - even in the daytime and also at dusk - by,
for instance, wearing a reflective jacket or reflective strips on the back of the vehicle.
6. All normal parking restrictions should be observed. Your vehicle should not be left
unattended if it causes an obstruction to other pedestrians - especially those in
wheelchairs.
22 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Driving in Great Britain

You can drive in Great Britain on a full, valid driving licence from another EU country.

You can drive in Great Britain until you’re 70. If you’re 68 or over when you become
resident, you can drive for 3 years.

After this time you must exchange your licence.

1. Order form D1 from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA); You can get
one of these forms from a Post Office.
2. Send the form, the £43 (current fee) and any documents you need (including your
driving licence) to the address on the form.
3. You should get your new licence within 3 weeks.

You can only drive in Great Britain with a non-EU licence for 12 months after you arrive.

All drivers must;

• Comply with minimum age requirements; generally, these are 17 years for cars
and motorcycles, 18 years for medium sized vehicles and 21 years for large lorries
and buses.
• Meet the minimum eyesight requirements and be fit to drive.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence

 The Fatal Five

Submit any information regarding what you consider as dangerous or inappropriate driving to: dorsetroadsafe@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk
24 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

The Fatal Five:

95% of collisions are caused by human

error. However the top five reasons for
loss of life are known as The Fatal Five.

1. Inappropriate Speed

• Check your speedometer regularly.

• Know the limits - look for signs, especially at
junctions.
• Street lighting means 30 mph, until signs
say otherwise.
• Remember, speed limits are a maximum,
not a target.
• Try using 3rd gear in a 30mph limit to help
you stay in the limit.
• Recognise what makes you speed -
keeping up with traffic, overtaking or being
tailgated.
• Concentrate - distracted drivers speed.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100

fine and 3 penalty points added to your
licence.
25 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Speed Limits
Built-up Single Dual
Motorways
Highway Code: Rule 124 Areas Carriageways Carriageways

Type of Vehicle MPH MPH MPH MPH

Cars and Motorcycles

(including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes
maximum laden weight)
30 60 70 70

All vehicles towing

(including car derived vans, motorcycles and
goods vehicles)
30 50 60 60

Buses and Coaches

(not exceeding 12 metres in overall length) 30 50 60 70

Goods Vehicles
(not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) 30 50 60 70

Goods Vehicles
(exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) 30 50 + 60 + 60

+ The National Speed Limits for Goods Vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes apply to all roads in England & Wales
26 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Community Speed Watch (CSW)

This initiative is aimed at raising awareness, encouraging drivers to slow down and
gives people an opportunity to get involved in making the roads safer where they live.

How does Community Speed Watch work?

1. CSW volunteers are residents working under the authority of the Chief Constable
to address speeding in their local area.

2. The purpose of CSW as a visible presence at the roadside is to help educate

drivers and deter them from speeding.

3. Dorset, Devon & Cornwall Police oversee CSW, ensuring that the sites chosen to
monitor from are safe and that volunteers are trained in the proper use of the
radar speed equipment, and in how to carry out their monitoring.

4. CSW monitors on roads with a 20, 30 & 40mph speed limit, capturing the
registration number and vehicle details which are then passed to police.

5. Staff process the vehicle details captured by the teams to identify the registered
keeper who is then sent an advisory letter.

6. CSW is not enforcement, however, occasionally the Police can deploy with
volunteers. Also, if motorists choose to ignore any written advice, a Police Officer
will be asked to meet with them to discuss their driving.

7. To set up a team six volunteers are needed. Details can be found on the Dorset
Road Safe website.
 27 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

2. Failing to Wear a Seatbelt

By law, you must wear a seat belt in cars and goods vehicles where one is fitted.
There are very few exceptions to this. The driver is liable to prosecution if a child under
14 years does not wear a seat belt or child restraint as required.

In buses and coaches with seat belts fitted, passengers aged 14 years and above
must use them. Passengers on vehicles used for public fare paying passengers on
30mph roads are exempt.

Exemptions
You don’t need to wear a seat belt if you’re:
• A driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner driver who is reversing.
• In a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services.
• A passenger in a trade vehicle and you’re investigating a fault.
• Driving a goods vehicle on deliveries that is travelling no more than 50 metres
between stops.
• A licensed taxi driver who is ‘plying for hire’ or carrying passengers.
Fact earing a
yo u a re not wan be
If lt you c penalty Medical Exemptions
seatbe uted. The fixedre
pr o s e c yo u a
0, but if e fine Your doctor may say you don’t have to wear a seat belt for a medical reason. They’ll
is £10 ed in court th child
v ic t
con up to £50 0 . A give you a ‘Certificate of Exemption from Compulsory Seat Belt Wearing’.
when
can be an adult belt r their You must:
can u s e 5cm o
ach 13 • Keep this in your vehicle. • Show it to the police if you’re stopped.
they re irthday.
12th b
You’ll also need to tell your car insurer.
28 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

?
id yo u know
3. Distraction e.g. Using a Mobile Phone D s show
n
rch ha
Resea ose using a
t h
that phone while s
il e e
mo b ur tim
It’s illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle iv in g are fo rash.
d r c
kely to
unless you have hands-free access, such as: more li
• a bluetooth headset • voice command • a dashboard holder

If you use your phone hands-free, you must stay in full control of your vehicle at all
times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re
distracted and you can be prosecuted.

The law still applies to you if you’re:

• stopped at traffic lights • queuing in traffic • supervising a learner driver

When you can use a hand-held phone

You can use a hand-held phone if:
• you’re safely and legally parked with the engine switched off
• you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

Penalties
You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone.
You can also be taken to court where you could:
• be banned from driving or riding
• get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)

If you passed your driving test in the last 2 years, you’ll lose your licence.
29 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

4. Drink Driving

If you are in charge of a vehicle while above

the legal limit or unfit through drink you
may get:
• up to 6 months’ imprisonment
• up to £2,500 fine (fines can be unlimited)
• a minimum 1 year driving ban

The actual penalty you get is up to the

magistrates who hear your case, and
depends on your offence. You may be able
to reduce your ban by taking a drink-drive
rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course if you’re
banned from driving for 12 months or more.
It’s up to the court to offer this.

Soberin
tricks g-up
do not
Coffee work
the mo and cold sho
sober u rning don’t h wers in
to get p. Time is th elp you
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fter dr
inking. any
30 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Should you Drive the Morning After?

Number of hours per drink + 1 hr = minimum time to allow before driving, calculated from your LAST drink

Number 13% Large 4% 40% 5% 40% 5%

of drinks Glass Wine Pint Single Spirits Alcopop Double Spirits Lager

1 3.5 hrs 2.5 hrs 1.5 hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs 2.5 hrs

2 7 hrs 5 hrs 3 hrs 4 hrs 6 hrs 5 hrs

3 10.5 hrs 7.5 hrs 4.5 hrs 6 hrs 9 hrs 7.5 hrs

4 14 hrs 10 hrs 6 hrs 8 hrs 12 hrs 10 hrs

5 17.5 hrs 12.5 hrs 7.5 hrs 10 hrs 15 hrs 12.5 hrs

The information in this table is guidance only and may vary from one individual to another.

CALL THE POLICE ON 999 TO REPORT A DRINK/DRUG DRIVER

 31 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD
www.drugwise.org.uk

*Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

4. Drug Driving If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk
to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

It’s illegal to drive if either:

• you’re unfit to do so because you’re on *legal or illegal drugs
• you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood (even if they haven’t affected
your driving)

The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they
think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, e.g. asking you to walk in a straight line.
They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine. If they
think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to
take a blood or urine test at a police station.

Penalties for drug driving

If you’re convicted of drug driving, you’ll get:
• a minimum 1 year driving ban • an unlimited fine
• up to 6 months in prison • a criminal record

Rule 96 Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will last
for 11 years. The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence
Highwa
y C ode of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
You mu
the infl st not drive
medicinuence of dru under Other problems you could face through Drink & Drug Driving
check w e. For medic gs or
pharm ith your Docines, • your car insurance costs will increase significantly
drive if acist and do tor or • if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
you ma you are advisnot
y be im
paired ed that • you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA
• driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
32 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

5. Careless and Inconsiderate Driving

There is no standard list that would be considered as careless or inconsiderate

however, examples include;
• Driving too close
• Failing to give way at a junction
• Inappropriate speed
• Operating a Sat Nav while driving
• Eating and drinking at the wheel
• Poor overtaking.

There are four different ways an offence can be dealt with depending on the
circumstances and its severity.
• Summons – either plead guilty and accept a fine or go to the Magistrates Court
• Fixed Penalty
• Offer of Educational Training
• Warning – no further action.

Operation Snap is a secure online facility which allows submissions of video and
photographic evidence relating to driving incidents (not road traffic collisions) that
members of the public have witnessed. You MUST read the Dorset Operation Snap
FAQs, then provide the registration number of the offending vehicle, be over the age
of 18, prepared to sign a witness statement and possibly give evidence in court.
www.dorset.police.uk/opsnap
33 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Coping Strategies

One of the key reasons that drivers lose

concentration or become stressed when
driving is because they are in a hurry.

Remember COAST:

Concentrate on your driving at all times.

Observe all around you.

Anticipate what might happen next.

Space give space at all times; it gives you:

Time to plan your driving.

Always
all
of time ow plenty
to
your jou complete
rney ho
you are we
using th ver
road. e
34 | LIFE CHOICES ON THE ROAD

Action Plan

Make a commitment to change the way you think and feel about your driving so that
you can manage the risks you’ve identified and start with a personal goal.

My personal goal is to:

........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................

To achieve this, I will:

........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................

My plan might not work because:

........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................

The coping strategies I will use to overcome these barriers are:

........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................

I will review my progress every:

........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
 Let us know what you thought of the course and the supporting material by emailing
das@dorset.pnn.police.uk or Melvin.Vincent@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk
Dorset Road Safe – www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk
Dorset Police 101 email – 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Devon & Cornwall 101 email – 101@dc.police.uk
Dorset Police Driver Awareness Scheme and Education enquiries – 01202 227549

www.dorset.police.uk

All Dorset courses are delivered by highly qualified Road Safety Professionals with many years’ experience in the delivery of theory and on-road coaching or have a background
in Roads Policing. Qualifications include Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (DVSA, ADI), Award in Education & Training (AET) to Degree level.
Produced and edited by Mel Vincent 6911 June 2022. E&OA.

© Dorset Police 2022