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Individuals may believe that they can conceal their drink driving from the police and general public. However, the police are highly skilled and experienced individuals with a level of intuition that allows them to spot drink drivers.

Manner of driving
People who have been drink driving operate their car very differently to someone who is sober. Some tell-tale signs include driving the car from side to side, driving in and out of white lines and ignoring signals such as red traffic lights. Drunk drivers may also drive over two lanes or simply drive in the centre of the road.

Committing other offences

It is only possible for police officers to breathalyse an individual if they have committed another offence. E.g. having a break light out or speeding. Regardless of if the police believe the individual was over the limit, they have full right to breathalyse the individual.

Questioning the driver
The police officer can question the driver by simply asking whether then have been drinking within the past 24 hours. And in some cases, the likelihood of the driver responding ‘yes’ can be quite high. For example, if it has happened over the weekend. If someone answers yes to this question, the officer is completely obliged to pull out the breathalyser and test the individual.

Speeding

There is no doubt that intoxicated drivers have a heightened feeling of confidence. This can make them drive over the speed limit. In contrast however, drivers that are driving too slowly can indicate that they are avoiding being caught.

Poorly maintained vehicle

Chances are that if an individual has decided to drive after drinking, they are unlikely to be bothered about what condition their vehicle is in. Police say that many people who drink drive have an accompanying issue with their vehicle. E.g. body damage, lights not working or badly worn tyres. 

Misty windows

Often, individuals that have been drink driving are impatient or so intoxicated that they are unaware that their windows have misted over. And as such, in cold weather when car windows have misted, they are unlikely to fully wipe the glass. Such a phenomenon is known as ‘letterbox windows’.

Lights not working

People that have had a drink, then drive, sometimes forget to put their headlights on. This is because the daylight lamps are already running. And when someone is intoxicated, they may believe that these are the main headlamps. Believing that the may be already on. Intoxicated drivers may also be confused and as such may operate the fog lights instead of regular headlamps. Even when it isn’t foggy.

Erratic breaking and accelerating

Drunk drivers may not have full control over the accelerator or break, operating it in a jerky or erratic manner. They may also be unable to effectively judge distances between vehicles, causing them to break suddenly. As a result, tailgating, or driving too close to unknown objects is also common.

Sudden or illegal turning

As already mentioned, drink driving can cause erratic and unexplained behaviour. And when someone is under the influence, they are less likely to be aware of the rules of the road. Meaning that the actions they take are impaired and dangerous.

Turning in a wide manner
People that have been drinking then driving will have poorer control of the steering. As a result, when they attempt to turn with the steering wheel, the turning will appear wide, as opposed to a sober person who will have better control of the steering wheel.

Summary

Drink drivers believe that they can conceal themselves from the police and general public through a range of techniques. In this article, we have outlined techniques drink drivers use to try and disguise their drink driving. These can include:
Driving in an erratic manner
Committing another driving offence
Speeding
Poorly maintained vehicle
Misty windows
Lights not working properly
Braking and accelerating
Sudden or illegal turning
Turning in a wide manner
It is important to note that no matter how much a drink driver attempts to conceal their impaired driving, the police are highly skilled and experienced with intuition that tells them that something is wrong.

Are you worried that you, a friend or family member are at risk of a drink driving offence in the future?

The only way that you can be sure that you are safe to drive after drinking is through the use of a breathalyser. Thankfully, on the DrinkAndDriveSafe website, we stock a range of breathalysers. From basic, budget, disposable models right through to advanced, reusable, digital breathalysers. And if you are a business, we can also stock these at larger quantities. Contact us to find out more. We are always keen to work with local businesses who can help spread the DrinkDriveSafe message. If this sounds like you, do feel free submit your email address and we will be in touch. We look forward to receiving your enquiry.

There are many occasions where individuals could drink, then drive. These are unlimited. But in general, include:

• Sports events
• Hen and stag dos
• Staff leaving parties
• Graduations
• Weddings 
• Festivals

Although incredibly easy to jump into a vehicle after drinking. Many people do not consider the amount of alcohol they have consumed. Such a relaxed attitude can be very dangerous. As although someone may feel that after one pint of beer, they should be OK to drive. This is not necessarily true. Because there are several factors which affect how our body processes alcohol. Specifically, everyone is different. And factors such as height & weight affect how quickly alcohol is absorbed into our blood stream.

There is only one sure-fire way to make sure you are within the legal limit after drinking. And that is by using a breathalyser. Which is why DrinkAndDriveSafe stock a range of breathalysers. However, we believe that education regarding the dangers of drink driving, is an effective way to prevent it all together. One such way that this can be achieved is by using virtual reality videos. To simulate a crash induced by drink driving.

What can I expect from viewing a VR video of a drink driving crash?

One such experience has been crafted by alcohol maker Diageo. It displays a crash between three cars. Viewable via a 360 degree VR headset. A number of different people are featured.

It begins where the lady celebrating a career change, takes over one of the cars.

The video has been published through a number of platforms. Such as YouTube 360. In order to achieve widespread viewing, it is compatible with a number of VR headsets.

The simulation can be taken a step further. It can be combined with a D-Box chair. This ensures the viewer experiences some impact. By feeling vibration as the car becomes out of control.

The videos have been viewed by a number of critics. The development of the VR experience has prompted mixed feedback.

Cadd (The Campaign against Drinking and Driving) is an independent UK charity. Carole Whittingham works for Cadd. She agrees that the app is useful to show the risks. She feels that anything making people stop & think about the dangers of drink driving is good. However, she questions it’s effectiveness for a UK audience. And feels the VR experience ‘could have been furthered’.

Drink Driver Education Plus provides training & advice on drink driving. It believes that the video relied on ‘scare tactics’ to inform people.

Dr Lucia Valmaggia is head of the Virtual Reality Lab at Kings College London. She believes that VR is an effective way to create responses similar to those in real life. She believes that the video is immersive in 3D. This is also believed by Dr Ashley Conway. She is a psychologist who treats phobias using VR. She believes that emotions will be evoked more easily. Such as sweating, faster heart rate & more fearful feeling.

Overall, is VR an effective way to discourage people from drink driving?

As discussed, there are many opportunities where people might drive after drinking. Some people have a relaxed attitude to drinking. Not considering the impact of what they have consumed. Everyone processes alcohol at different speeds. The only way to determine if you are in the legal limit is by using a breathalyser. At DrinkAndDriveSafe, a number of breathalysers are stocked through our site. However, education about the effects of drink driving is vitally important. One particularly effective way to encourage safe driving is the use of VR videos. Such techniques have been evaluated by industry experts. And have promoted both positive & negative feedback.

Overall, experts agree that VR is an effective way to inform people about drink driving risks. And furthermore, help people experience some of the potential impacts. Which could evoke more emotion in people. Such as feeling fearful, faster heartbeat and sweating. In contrast, other critics have said that they question its effectiveness for a UK audience. And feel that not all aspects of VR have been effectively utilised. Moreover, some experts believe that the experience has heavily relied on ‘scare tactics’. In summary, it would appear that to an extent, VR can be effective for informing people of the dangers of drink driving. However, for it to be fully immersive, improvements can be made. e.g. tailoring it for a UK audience. And better utilising other facets of VR technology.

Are you a business that sells alcohol? Are you keen to encourage others to drive safely after drinking?

At DrinkAndDriveSafe, our philosophy is to encourage everyone to drink and drive safe. And we achieve this by working with organisations to help spread our message. Are you interested in becoming a provider? Click here to submit your e-mail address. We will be in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively, would you like to stock breathalysers for your customers? Click here to submit your e-mail address. We will be in touch ASAP.