DRIVERS are being warned not to risk consuming alcohol before they take to the wheel.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service say that even if drivers are under the limit, they are at risk when they drink and drive.

In the past five years, more than 300 drivers have been killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions in Gloucestershire, 92 of these incidents were in 2016.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for road safety, said “Most drivers know that drinking or drug driving is a serious offence and that the risks and penalties are high.

"Some people can even quote the legal limit – but it’s sadly a minority who know how many drinks can reach the limit, how many drinks are ‘safe’ and how long it takes for alcohol to leave the system."

"This campaign that I am pleased to launch removes all doubt. Choosing zero alcohol will keep drivers safe and legal and avoid the misery that follows collisions and conviction."

Although the legal limit is 80 mg of blood alcohol, drivers with 50mg are up to six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision, so choosing zero is clearly the best policy.

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said “I welcome the behaviour of the majority of drivers who don’t drink any alcohol before driving.

"I urge the minority who are still prepared to take the risk to think again: enjoy the summer, enjoy socialising and choose zero alcohol and drugs if you are driving.”