6 July 2001: The RAC is warning about the dangers of summer drinking and driving. It believes people run as high a risk of being killed or injured during the summer as during the Christmas period.

Part of the reason is that drivers are often unaware of how potent some thirst quenchers can be. The RAC's campaigning arm, the RAC Foundation, believes common drinks of choice for summer parties, barbecues and events are often beers, lagers, or ciders with many drinkers unaware of the strength of the beverage.

"The advice is, of course, the same whatever the time of the year'', says Sue Nicholson, head of campaigns for the foundation. "If you are going to drive, don't drink at all. Trying to count units of alcohol, back calculating or working out absorption times simply doesn't work as so many external factors come into play."

Nicholsan warns that the only truly safe method is to stick to soft drinks, nominate a non-drinking driver for the party or arrange a taxi or other transport in advance of the event. "That way people can relax and enjoy their outing in comfort."