Think! Don’t drink and drive! The Government’s Think! Drink drive Christmas campaign was launched this month! Its shock value is in revealing the huge impact that a drink drive conviction can have on your current job and future employability. Figures from the Department for Transport show that one million people in the UK will lose their job if they are caught drink driving this Christmas due to having to drive in relation to their employment. The campaign includes convicted drink drivers relating the impact their conviction has had on their job. According to the DfT, almost a third (27 per cent) of people rely on their car to get to work, and would have to give up their job if they were caught drink driving, while many alternative jobs would be closed to them because they require a criminal records check , including teaching, financial services and the armed forces. A third of convicted drink drivers surveyed say they have been limited on the jobs they can do since their offence by not being able to drive. So if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road. The consequences, There are strict penalties if you are convicted of drunk driving, including a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a fine of up to £5,000, an endorsement on your license for 11 years. However, this list does not reflect the everyday consequences of being caught drink driving which can include Increase in car insurance costs, Job loss, trouble getting in to countries like the USA, the shame of having a criminal record, loss of independence. The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate that a drink drive conviction could cost between £20,000 – £50,000 as a result of fines, solicitors fees, increase in car insurance and loss of job.