Alcohol is a major factor in many accidents in South Africa, playing a part in about half of all motor vehicle-related deaths.

If you have had too much to drink, don't drive yourself home:

• Take a taxi home or use public transport.
• Let someone who hasn't been drinking drive you home
• Stay where you are and drive home the next day.

You may not be in the driving seat of a vehicle on a public road with the motor running if your blood-alcohol level is more than 0,05 gram per 100 millilitres.

There is no simple answer that can tell you how much you can safely drink, before driving! Your blood alcohol level is determined by a wide range of factors and differs from person to person. The impact that alcohol has on behaviour also differs. In general, the best answer is "Don't Drink and Drive".

Some of the factors that influence your blood-alcohol level include what alcohol you have been drinking, your mass, your strength, whether you have had anything non-alcoholic to drink, what you have eaten, whether you have taken medication, the temperature of the drink etc.

In trials, all the participants (male and female) exceeded the legal limit after two beers.

For more detailed information on drinking and driving, click here.

To check alcohol limits specific to your gender, weight etc., visit the virtual breathalyser.