Here’s why you shouldn’t drive with a full stomach on Christmas Day

We’ve all overindulged on Christmas Day.

But offering the best excuse possible to crash out on your parents’ sofa with yet another Terry’s Chocolate Orange, experts now say that driving home on a full stomach could actually land you in trouble with the law.

Christmas week is the easiest time of year to accidentally break serious motoring rules – and with the AA estimating that almost 18 million people will take to the roads during the festive period, maybe it’s time we sat up and took notice.

After eating your plate laden with turkey and all the trimmings, Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, says it’s best to put down your keys and wait a while before setting off home.

Head of Green Flag Breakdown Katie Lomas recommends avoiding driving this Christmas. (Credit: Alamy)

“A significant part of the Christmas period is celebrating with family and friends enjoying traditional feasts, but many people are not aware of the impact significant calorie consumption, especially from foods with a high concentration of carbohydrates and sodium, can have on driving performance,” she says.

“We would urge drivers to give their food plenty of time to digest post-meal, particularly given that research shows excessive food consumption over the festive period could impact reaction times behind the wheel.

“We hope everyone has a fantastic festive celebration, but it is important that people always feel alert and focussed when they drive.”

Celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman, who is dubbed ‘Mr Loophole’, agrees.

“This kind of food coma can have a huge impact on our reaction times,” he says. “It’s safer to wait a good few hours before driving after dinner or have a nap before you get back behind the wheel.

“If you have an accident, the fact you were driving after a heavy Christmas dinner won’t provide a defence should you commit a motoring offence.”

Celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman agrees with Katie’s comments. (Credit: Alamy)

As for drinking alcohol, the lawyer warned how easy it was to get in trouble even if you think you’re being safe.

“You don’t need to be breathalysed for alcohol to create problems,” Freeman continued. “It will be down to the opinion of the arresting officer to decide whether you’re unfit to be behind the wheel. You could face a fine and a ban.”

So there you have it, looks like we’re staying in the guest bedroom this year!