ROAD safety experts are warning motorists about the dangers - and consequences - of drink driving as they launch their annual Christmas campaign.

North Yorkshire Police, Safer Ryedale, North Yorkshire County Council and other agencies are working together as part of the crackdown on motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Police officers will be out in force and performing random stops across Ryedale with drink drive education events also planned on dates throughout December.

Andrew Santon, Road Safety Officer with North Yorkshire County Council, said it is the “morning after” when the majority of motorists are found to be over the drink drive limit.

“People don’t realise how long it takes for alcohol to process and anyone going for out a Christmas party can still be over the limit the morning after - for the average person, it takes one hour to process one unit of alcohol," he added.

“But often people will not know how much they have drunk the night before, especially if they have ‘pre-loaded’ because the measures at home are most likely not to be the same as in a pub.”

Mr Santon said that even a big glass of wine was going to take the average person two hours to clear from their body.

“For example, if you go out for a meal at lunch time and decide to have a 250ml glass of wine and then finish work early, you are more than likely going to be over the limit," he added.

“People often ask me how much can I drink and still be safe to drive and I can’t say - because everyone is different. “What I would say is if you are going to drink - don’t drive, and if you are going to drive - don’t drink.”

Mr Santon said the public also had misconceptions surrounding drugs and driving - with some anti-depressants or cold remedies likely to affect a motorist’s driving ability.

“When people say ‘drugs,’ they often think illegal drugs but it includes medication as well,” said Mr Santon. “If your medication says ‘do not operate heavy machinery,’ then you need to think, what is a car if not heavy machinery?’ What I would say is - if in doubt check about your medication, check with your doctor, " he added.

Mr Santon said the consequences of being caught over the limit could be devastating and would likely earn a motorist a driving ban of between 12 to 18 months, severely affecting job prospects and car insurance, for example.

"One person saw his insurance soar from £360 to £4,000 after such a conviction and was unable to hire a car for ten years while another was held in custody for two days by Canadian immigration officials and then sent back to England - missing a family wedding - after failing to realise that drink driving is viewed as a criminal offence and not informing officials on his immigration form" he added.

“Having a criminal record is going to surely affect all sorts of things but you never think about this when you are at a party - not to mention the families left behind after a fatal drink drive crash.”

Mark Naylor, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Chair of the Scarborough, Ryedale & Whitby Road Safety Task Group said: “Please be responsible when drinking over this festive period, especially think about the morning after.

"Look out for each other, don’t let family and friends do anything they might regret. Most of all be safe and enjoy yourself."

* Road safety experts will be on hand to offer advice on winter driving to motorists in the Market Place, Helmsley, on Friday, 12 December, 11am to 3pm.