Driving – reduce the risks

To drive safely, you need to be mentally alert, have clear vision, good coordination and quick reactions. Alcohol and drugs reduce your ability to do these things well.

The effects of these substances can make it hard for you to judge your own driving skill. You will probably think your driving skills are much better than they are.

Avoid driving if you are:

Feeling dizzy or light-headed
Unable to think clearly
Edgy
Nauseous or feeling unwell
Drowsy or tired

Note: If you plan to drive, the safest option is to have no alcohol or drugs in your system. This includes prescription medications that could affect you.

Planning ahead

If you intend to use alcohol or drugs and need to travel, plan ahead by:

Organising a driver who will not have alcohol or drugs in their system;
Arranging for a friend or family member to pick you up;
Using public transport or a taxi; and
Arranging to stay overnight.

Drinking or taking drugs can continue to affect you the next day. Tiredness, hangovers and ‘coming down’ can also affect your ability to drive safely.

Find out more about:

Drivers at high risk

Some drivers are at higher risk of not driving safely: