Exact time to stop boozing as Brits drink-drive 'the morning after'
More than a fifth of motorists have admitted to drinking alcohol after 10pm, despite knowing they need drive before 9am the next morning, a study has claimed. IAM RoadSmart, the road safety charity behind the study, issued a stark warning about the dangers of drinking the night before, stressing that even a "groggy head" can significantly slow down reaction times.
The poll, which surveyed 1,072 UK motorists, found that 38 per cent of those who drank several alcoholic beverages before driving at 9am the next day ceased their drinking by 9pm. Drinkaware, the alcohol education charity, said that alcohol is metabolised at roughly one unit per hour, but this rate can vary based on factors such as weight, liver health, and metabolic rate.
IAM RoadSmart highlighted the risks associated with consuming around three large glasses of wine or three pints of strong beer or cider, equating to nine units. They cautioned that individuals drinking until 10pm could still have alcohol in their system by 7am the following morning or later.
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart's director of policy and standards, said: " Drink-driving is a killer, and drivers may be unwittingly getting into their vehicle in the morning unaware that they could be doing so illegally if they have been drinking alcohol the night before, posing a serious threat to the safety of others.
"Even if they are just inside the legal limit, the level of alcohol in their system will impair their reaction times. Moreover, consuming alcohol impacts on sleep quality."
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who leads on roads policing for the National Police Chiefs' Council, warned drivers not to engage in heavy drinking the night before a day of driving. She said: "There is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired through drink or drugs, and this includes the morning after. If you choose to do so you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk."
The research revealed that nearly one in three drivers (31 per cent) had been passengers with friends or family members who consumed alcohol before taking control of a vehicle in the past year, reports Wales Online. Of those witnessing such behaviour, 72 per cent challenged the would-be driver about their fitness to get behind the wheel, while 23 per cent took no action whatsoever.
An overwhelming four-fifths (81 per cent) of respondents believed rehabilitation programmes should be compulsory for all those found guilty of drink-driving offences. At present, such courses are occasionally offered as an alternative to lengthier disqualification periods.
In addition, data from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency previously secured by the PA news agency showed that 27,837 British motorists received multiple drink-driving convictions over the 11-year period ending July 20, 2024. A staggering 372 individuals were caught at least four times, with four serial offenders facing prosecution on seven separate occasions.
The most recent Department for Transport (DfT) statistics showed that an estimated 300 fatalities occurred in road accidents involving at least one driver exceeding the legal alcohol threshold during 2022. This represented a rise from 260 deaths the year before and marked the highest annual toll since 2009, when 380 people lost their lives.
Furthermore, more DfT data presented via the RAC revealed there were more casualties during June and July 2024 (660 in each month) than at any time of the year.
The legal limit for drink-driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland stands at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, a threshold higher than any other European country where the limit does not exceed 50mg/100ml. In contrast, Scotland lowered its limit to 50mg/100ml back in 2014.
A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: "We take road safety extremely seriously, and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drink-driving, with rehabilitation courses offered to those convicted and banned from driving for over a year.
"While we don't have plans to mandate these courses, we are committed to improving road safety, and our Think! campaign will next week launch its summer drink-drive activity, timed to coincide with the National Police Chiefs' Council's Operation Spotlight."
The survey data came from research conducted by Online95, which polled 1,072 UK motorists last month on behalf of IAM RoadSmart.
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Swimming banned as Portugese man o' war colony plagues Spanish beaches
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5 hours ago
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The best fitted sheets, tested for a neat, hotel-style bed
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more > Nothing detracts from fresh bedding quite like a fitted sheet that springs loose from your mattress at the first toss or turn. Finding one that fits snugly and securely will help you rest easy. Fitted sheets can range in price from around £7 to over £100, depending on the type of fabric (you'll find everything from Egyptian cotton to linen in our round-up), depth and size. I tested some of the best fitted sheets, from leading brands such as Dusk, The White Company, Rise & Fall and Silentnight, to see how they impacted my sleep, assessing them for softness and security. We check and update this guide regularly to bring you the most accurate findings, and below, you'll find my full reviews and answers to some common FAQs. But first, here are my top recommendations at a glance. The best fitted sheets: At a glance How to choose the best fitted sheets For starters, check the depth of your mattress, including anything that sits on top of it such as a mattress protector, topper or electric blanket. Most fitted sheets come in standard and deep iterations, with some designed specifically for thicker or shallower mattresses. While thread count can be a great indicator of a sheet's quality (300 to 600 is a sweet spot for quality and price), it's not the only factor to consider. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, explains: 'If you are someone who overheats, a higher thread count could create a barrier between you and the breathable fibres in your mattresses. The higher the thread count on your sheets the less space there is between the fibres, meaning this could inhibit air circulation and hold heat and moisture closer to your body, leaving you feeling slightly warmer throughout the night.' 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Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best fitted sheets of 2025 1. Best Buy Fitted Sheet: Dusk 200 Thread Count Plain-Dye Fitted Sheet Dusk has a number of fitted sheets to choose from, from 200 thread count cotton designs all the way up to 1,000 thread count options. I tried several, and this plain-dye option at the lower end of the scale was my favourite. The sheet feels soft and washes well, making my bed even more inviting than usual at the end of a long day. 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Best Value Fitted Sheet: Fogarty Soft Touch Fitted Sheet Score: 8/10 We like: Available in a range of colours and depths, washes well, excellent value for money We don't like: Microfibre isn't as breathable as cotton, prone to creasing and gathering fluff These Dunelm sheets give you the most choice, by far. There's a fantastic range of 16 colours to choose from and a standout five depths. Which you opt for will impact the price slightly, but it means a more tailored fit. I opted for 28cm, which fitted my mattress and accompanying memory foam mattress topper nicely, without being too baggy. However, if your measurements are off by just a few centimetres, the sheet could bunch up; after a few nights, I noticed the sides of mine started to rise up. Even though it washed and dried well, it was prone to creasing, taking a few nights to smooth out (when I didn't iron or steam it). This looked a bit untidy, which isn't to my taste. 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Best Egyptian Cotton Fitted Sheet: Soak & Sleep Luxury Egyptian Cotton Fitted Sheets Egyptian cotton is one of the most popular (and luxurious) materials for fitted sheets because of its softness and breathability, and Soak and Sleep's design impressed me. It has one of the highest thread counts tested at 600, and gave my bed that desirable hotel look and feel. The sheet felt crisp and pleasant against my skin and it helped wick away any excess sweat or moisture on particularly stuffy evenings. Either the standard or deep fit should work for most mattresses, but I was a little disappointed that it only comes in three neutral colourways. Given the overall quality and high thread count, I assumed that these fitted sheets would be a lot more expensive than they are, making them great value for money. The two-year guarantee only cements that further. Key specifications: 5. Best Soft Fitted Sheet: West Elm Tencel Fitted Sheet This is another soft option, made with a textile called Tencel derived from wood pulp (in this case eucalyptus,) and generally praised for its smoothness and slight sheen. It's increasingly popular for bedding as a more sustainable option; the eucalyptus grows quickly and requires less water than cotton to produce. This was one of the most affordable Tencel sheets I could find (especially as the Frost Grey option is currently on sale,) and it claims to be more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen. It's made in a Fair Trade certified factory, and holds an Oeko-Tex accreditation, which means it is free from harmful chemicals. So far, so good. But what was it like to sleep with? It lived up to its billing and more. I was content using this sheet during some unseasonably warm weather; it felt lovely and cool as I moved around during the night. It didn't bunch up or loosen either, and it seemed well made and designed to last. Even though it's not marketed as a deep fitted sheet, it will suit mattresses up to 41cm high. This means it may be a bit baggy if you have a shallow mattress, though. Choose between three neutral hues, all will please anyone who turns to West Elm for their homeware and furniture. Key specifications: 6. Best Deep Fitted Sheet: The White Company Essentials Egyptian Cotton Deep Fitted Sheet If you have a deep mattress or use a mattress topper, sheets which accommodate this are a must. At 34cm tall, The White Company Deep Fitted Sheet is an excellent option for most set-ups. It instantly added a luxurious feel to my bed, and given its quality and feel, I was surprised by its overall value for money; all the sizes apart from the super king retail for below £30. It was relatively easy to put on my bed and gripped the corners securely. It also washed and dried well and I didn't notice any fading or significant creases after doing so either. This sheet is only available in white, no real surprise there, but it won't necessarily go with every duvet set or bedroom aesthetic. But, that small niggle aside, I was pleased to have a deep sheet that properly fitted. Key specifications: 7. Best Linen Fitted Sheet: Rise & Fall Relaxed & Refined Linen Fitted Sheet Linen traditionally gets softer and cosier with each wash, which is exactly what I experienced with Rise & Fall's fitted sheet. Initially it had a rougher texture, but after a wash, it was much gentler on my skin, even if it wasn't the softest of all the fitted sheets that I tried. It was particularly welcome in the warmer weather, as it kept me cool and comfortable the whole night, preventing sweatiness or overheating. It clings snugly to the corners of your mattress thanks to some excellent rubbery-feeling elastic. 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It's worth spending a few extra pounds for my highest scoring pick from the brand as it's made from 100 per cent organic cotton. That's about £6 more for a double than the next best cotton option. This sheet was softer and creased less than Ikea's other designs. It fitted the mattress snugly too, but at only 26cm deep, it may not work for all. I didn't notice any loose or fraying stitching and it washed and dried well. But while some Ikea bedding comes in brighter colours or patterns, this one just comes in white, which is a bit of a shame. Key specifications: Sizes: Single, double, king and super king, 80x200cm, 90x200cm (we tested double) Depths: One size – up to 26cm deep Fabric: 100% organic cotton Care instructions: Machine washable, tumble dry at normal temperature, iron at a maximum of 200°C Available colours: One – white 9. Best Sateen Fitted Sheet: Espa White 100% Egyptian Cotton Sateen Stripe Fitted Sheet Espa is known for its spa treatments and products, however it also makes some lovely bedding. This Egyptian cotton fitted sheet has an elevated striped finish and looks much more expensive than the price tag implies. Some of this is thanks to the sateen weave (which is where the cotton feels silky, as opposed to a percale weave which is tighter and crisper). This satin effect can often make bedding slippery, but I found the stripes prevented this entirely. During testing, the fitted sheet didn't move around at all, meaning I had no issues with bunching or loose corners. In fact, my bed looked crisp and smart throughout. Made according to Oeko-Tex certified standards (i.e. chemical free), these were some of the most comfortable sheets to sleep on. They were soft, had a slight cooling feel and they looked just as good after multiple rounds in the washing machine. Key specifications: 10. Best Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet: Emma 100% Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet A classic bed-in-a-box mattress brand, Emma also makes a range of soft fitted sheets. The one I tried is a cotton percale sheet, which is a type of closely woven cotton known for its crisp and cool feel. The matte texture felt smooth against my skin, and became softer and more comfortable night after night and wash after wash. There are four muted shades for you to choose from, including a pale blue and natural beige. Confusingly, even tough Emma sells single and super king mattresses, this fitted sheet is only available as a double or a king size. But if that's what you're looking for, it's another reliable buy. Key specifications: Sizes: Double and king (we tested double) Depths: One – 30cm Fabric: 200TC 100% cotton percale Care instructions: Machine washable at 40C, tumble dry at medium temperature, iron at a maximum of 150C Available colours: Four – white (only available in double,) dark grey, beige and blue 11. Best Cooling Fitted Sheet: Slumberdown Cool Summer Cooling Fitted Sheet Whether you suffer from hot flushes, often wake up in a sweat or struggle to stay cool in summer, bedding designed with dedicated cooling properties is worth considering. And with a notably hot UK summer, I tested this sheet during some of the stuffiest evenings of the year. I was pleasantly surprised at the difference it made. Yes, it retains some heat if you sleep in the same position without moving, but it was instantly cooling and refreshing when I swiped my legs and arms across an unused patch of sheet. The best way to describe how it felt, is to compare it to laundry that's not quite dry. 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Best Budget Fitted Sheet: Silentnight Supersoft Fitted Sheet At just £9 for a single, Silentnight's Supersoft Fitted Sheets are another great budget-friendly option. They are available in five relatively neutral colours, including white. I put the fitted sheet on my bed without too much of a struggle and the tight elastic on the corners stopped it from moving around with me during the night. I also liked the feel of them. Silentnight classes it as microfibre, and there was a definite softness to it which was pleasant on my skin. Satisfyingly, the sheet became softer to the touch after each wash. However, as microfibre is technically a form of polyester, the sheet isn't the most breathable pick, perhaps making it a better buy for chillier winter weather than hot or humid nights. It's also probably worth a swerve for perpetually hot sleepers. Key specifications: Fitted sheets FAQs
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jeremy Clarkson shares 'worrying' update on Diddly Squat farm after another disaster
Jeremy Clarkson has issued a 'worrying' post regarding the harvest of his crops on Diddly Squat farm and has warned his followers that his harvest this year will be 'catastrophic' Jeremy Clarkson has shared that he has been consumed with worry after his harvest this year is nothing short of "catastrophic." The 65 year old former Top Gear presenter, who now owns Diddly Squat Farm, took to social media and told fans that the state of his crops should be a "worry to anyone who eats food." He wrote on X: "It looks like this year's harvest will be catastrophic. That should be a worry for anyone who eats food." He added: "If a disaster on this scale had befallen any other industry, there would be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth." However, it remains unknown what exactly he is referring to but fans were quick to point the finger at the British weather. It comes after Top Gear host admitted he 'never got along' with Jeremy Clarkson as he made a bold statement. One person questioned: "Why? What's going on? Is it weather?" And another wrote: "Details please, was it just the unpredictable weather?" It was only last month that it was reported that his farm, which features on his reality TV show Clarkson's Farm, had come down with a dose of Bovine Tuberculosis. The disease is infectious to all animals which explains why he penned on X that he was "absolutely devastated." Taking to X, he wrote: "Bad news from Diddly Squat. We've gone down with TB. Everyone here is absolutely devastated." The former presenter owns his farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire. In another post he told fans that one of his infected cows was pregnant with twins. According to the BBC website, cattle that fail a TB test or have inconclusive results over two tests are classed as "reactors" and must be "isolated then sent to slaughter." TB is classed as a respiratory disease which can be transmitted through nose to nose contact and also saliva, urine, faeces and milk. As well as the farm being under tests, Jeremy recently revealed that one of his puppies had died. While on Times Radio with Peter Cardwell, he said: "It's awful, it is awful. You have a test every six months on the cows and then you sort of become blasé, it's a hypothetical threat." He added: "And then the vet looks up as he did yesterday lunchtime and said 'I'm really sorry this one's failed'. So that means we're now locked down and it's just dreadful, absolutely dreadful." Jeremy continued: "It's only been not even 24 hours since I found out and it occupies my mind. Well it was occupying my mind but I got up this morning and found one of my puppies has died. And we've got a very sickly calf. Honestly, farming? I'm not enjoying it this week."
