A stark social media experiment has highlighted just how little alcohol it can take to become unfit to drive, after a man consumed two pints of lager and recorded a breathalyser reading above the legal limit.
The Sobering Social Media Experiment
James Palmer-Rimmer, who creates content about spirits and alcohol online, conducted the test after followers requested he demonstrate the effects of Stella Artois, a lager with 4.6% alcohol by volume. In a TikTok video, he drank two pints and then, after a wait of 20 to 30 minutes, used a personal breathalyser device.
He explained the legal thresholds, noting that in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (often expressed as 0.08% blood alcohol content). Scotland has a stricter limit of 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath (0.05% BAC).
The device displayed a result of 0.014, significantly above the 0.008 (or 0.05% in Scotland) he was aiming for. "So two pints of Stella put me over the limit. I can't drive," he concluded, asking his audience: "What are you gonna do with that piece of information?"
The Harsh Reality of Drink-Driving Statistics
This personal test underscores a major public safety issue. According to the RAC, the previous year saw 4,620 alcohol-related collisions on British roads. These incidents resulted in approximately 6,800 injuries and between 290 and 320 fatalities.
The experiment clearly shows that units of alcohol are an unreliable guide for drivers. An individual's reaction to alcohol depends on a complex mix of factors including weight, age, metabolism, sex, the type of drink, food consumption, and even stress levels.
Legal Limits and Severe Consequences
The legal drink-drive limits across the UK are as follows:
England, Wales & Northern Ireland:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
- 80 milligrammes per 100ml of blood
- 107 milligrammes per 100ml of urine
Scotland (stricter limits):
- 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath
- 50 milligrammes per 100ml of blood
- 67 milligrammes per 100ml of urine
Senior police figures have called for the limits in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to be lowered to match Scotland's. The penalties for being caught driving over the limit are severe and can include:
- A prison sentence of up to six months
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban for at least one year (three years if convicted twice in a decade)
The most serious offence, causing death by careless driving while under the influence, carries a potential life sentence, an unlimited fine, and a minimum five-year driving ban.
This simple test serves as a powerful reminder: when it comes to drinking and driving, there is no safe amount. The only guaranteed way to stay within the law and protect lives is to separate alcohol from driving entirely.
