With such serious consequences attached to drink-driving, most of us will think twice before downing that extra pint and getting behind the wheel. However, one company has risked the ire of the law and the safety of roadgoers everywhere by offering a pill that purportedly helps drunkards pass a breathalyser test.
The tablets, which are to be taken before and after drinking, are said to contain a mixture of vitamins and a drug called simethicone, which inhibit the transfer of alcohol from the stomach and intestine into the blood, thus minimising your chances of failing the sobriety test.
The makers of the tablets claim the product is meant for people “on the borderline” of the drink-drive limit and not those who are so drunk they can’t even see straight. But that isn’t allaying the fears of safety campaigners who believe boozy Brits may abuse the tablets.
Speaking to the Metro, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said they should not be sold: “It may encourage people to drink and drive in the belief they can get away with it,” said a spokesman.
“Drinking and driving kills hundreds of people every year in the UK and we would urge people to ignore this product, and those selling it to stop immediately,” he added.
Arthur Kibble, the chap behind these tablets, countered, saying: “I am not advocating that motorists get blind drunk and then try to drive, but it does help you mentally. They are useful for those people who have two pints and are then banned for 12 months… If you consume a lot of alcohol, nothing is going to help, but this can help if you’re on the borderline.”
Considering a 12-month ban could ruin your livelihood, that extra pint is a bad idea. But is the drink-drive limit too low, and is there a place for these tablets? Or should people not drink at all when driving? We’d like to hear your thoughts.
Source: Mirror
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