About the Program

Planning on having a big night?

Then think about what time you plan on driving the next day. Alcohol can stay in your system for a surprisingly long time, even after sleeping, having a coffee or breakfast and/or a shower.

You may feel fine but still be over the limit the next morning. Just because it is a new day it doesn't necessarily mean your body is alcohol free. And even if you are under the legal limit, fatigue from a hangover can be just as dangerous.

How can I tell if I am over the limit?

If you are a healthy male, it takes an average of one hour for your body to eliminate each standard drink you consume. That means one standard drink = one hour.

Drink any of the following and you probably won't be safe to drive for about 12 hours from when you started drinking – six double vodkas, or eight schooners, or six cans of OP Rum and Cola. That's 10 a.m. the next day if you started drinking at 10.p.m. Obviously if you drink even more than this, it will be even longer until your blood alcohol reading is back to zero.

If you are a healthy female, it takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours to eliminate each standard drink you consume. That means one standard drink = 1.5–2 hours.

Drink a bottle of champagne or a bottle of wine (12–14%) and you probably won't be safe to drive for up to 20 hours. That's 6 p.m. the next evening if you start drinking at 10 p.m. Even if you share a bottle of wine (12–14%) with a friend, you still won't be safe to drive for around 9 hours from when you start drinking.

Remember, the above examples are only a guide. Everyone's body is different and there is no way of knowing exactly how long it takes your body to process alcohol. It may also take longer than this for your body to become alcohol free if you are:

• on certain medications
• generally unwell
• or are of small build