Drinkaware is urging the public to drink sensibly this weekend and has shared tips to help people have a safe Easter Bank Holiday.
Ahead of the long weekend, Drinkaware is highlighting the dangers of driving the morning after drinking, as well as its drinks calculator - which is a useful tool.
It keeps track of how many drinks you have had and provides an estimation of how long it will take your body to process alcohol.
READ MORE: Are pubs open in Ireland on Good Friday? All the rules that have to be followed on holy day
The Drinkaware drinks calculator is the most popular tool on drinkaware.ie and was used over the St Patrick’s weekend by 15,212 visitors.
The Drinkaware Annual Barometer 2022, found 87 per cent of people agree that any amount of alcohol impairs your ability to drive. Yet, figures from An Garda Síochána revealed that over the Easter weekend in 2022, there were 184 arrests for drunk/drug driving.
This Easter weekend, Drinkaware is providing the information you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Know the facts on driving the morning after
It takes at least one hour to process one standard drink
An average pint of beer equals two standard drinks. This means it will take your body two hours to process one pint of beer
Alcohol levels continue to rise for hours after consuming the drink of choice
The only way to remove alcohol from your system is time, no amount of food or water will speed up the process
Neither will the common myths of showering, eating a large breakfast, coffee, energy drinks or exercise
The processing time starts from when the last drink is finished.
Tips for a safe and mindful long weekend
Alternate every drink for a glass of water
Don’t top up your glass, let yourself finish the drink before pouring another
Set a spending limit and stick to it
Ask yourself ‘Do I really want this drink?’
Plan a safe route home before you go out. Double check public transport and remember it will be a busy weekend for taxis
CEO of Drinkaware, Sheena Horgan, commented: "Our mission at Drinkaware is to prevent and reduce the misuse of alcohol in Ireland. We want to provide people with practical information, tips and support to help them stay safe during the long weekend.
"Whether that’s being more mindful if they are drinking alcohol or the dangers of driving the morning after they have been drinking. We know Irish drinking culture is changing as seen through our Annual Barometer survey, with 39 per cent of Irish adults agreeing that Irish drinking culture has changed for the better over the last three years.
"However, we also know that there is an increase in drink driving, fatalities, and other road accidents over bank holiday weekends.
"We want to assist the public in their safety by providing practical information on drink driving, and when it is safe to drive the morning after.
"It is important that people understand how long it takes for their bodies to process alcohol, to prevent the typical rise in accidents over Bank Holiday weekends. I invite the public to visit our Drink Driving page for more information, and to heed the advice of the RSA and an Garda Síochána to keep our roads safe.
"With the Easter weekend coming up, it is important for the public to enjoy themselves but also to be aware of the dangers and how to minimise the risks. Keeping track of how many drinks you have had the night before means you can make informed decisions before getting behind the wheel of a car.
"Knowledge is power and we would encourage the public to make use of the Drinkaware drinks calculator. Let’s continue to change our drinking culture for the better and make the Easter weekend a positive and enjoyable experience for all."
READ NEXT:
US President Joe Biden may also have previously unknown cousins in Galway
Galway bar manager 'breaks world record' after visiting 85 pubs in 24 hours
Ireland weather: Met Eireann forecasts u-turn in bank holiday conditions as heavy rain extended
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
