Oxegen-goers warned over drink driving

Music fans gearing up for the Oxegen music festival today were urged not to drink and drive.

MEAS, a drinks industry group that promotes alcohol responsibility, is warning revellers they could still be over the legal limit the morning after partying.

They have advised people to take public transport or have a designated driver if they are drinking throughout the three-day festival.

The organisation’s website – drinkaware.ie – carries advice for drivers as well as an Oxegen festival survival guide.

Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of MEAS, said even a small amount of alcohol in your system can affect your driving.

“Your body gets rid of roughly one standard drink per hour; that’s one hour for a half a pint, or a glass of wine or one single shot to be eliminated from your body,” she said.

“This weekend fans are encouraged to avoid being at risk the morning after by planning how they are going to get to and from Oxegen in advance.

“Use the drinkaware.ie website to look up the various public transport options that will get you there quickly and safely or designate a non-drinking driver”.

There will also be a team at Punchestown racecourse handing out wallet-sized information cards detailing what a standard drink is and how long it takes your body to get rid of it.