MEAS, the alcohol social responsibility organisation, has issued a warning to revellers heading to the Electric Picnic festival this weekend.

The group is reminding drivers that a small amount of alcohol in their system will affect driving, even the morning after.

The human body absorbs roughly one standard drink per hour; that is one hour for a half a pint, or a glass of wine or one single shot.

“The secret to sobering up is time – no amount of coffee, energy drinks, cold showers or even a full Irish – will speed up the process,” said Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of MEAS.

“You might feel better, but it doesn’t mean you are fit to drive.”

“Quite simply, if you think you will be drinking over the weekend, it is best to make alternative arrangements.

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

Drivers found to be over the legal limit and could face a €5,000 fine, a six-month jail sentence, or both.

Throughout the entire Electric Picnic weekend, the Garda National Traffic Bureau will be operating traffic patrols and checkpoints around Stradbally on a 24-hour basis with the aim of detecting drink driving offences and speeding.

MEAS have made a Festival Survival Guide available free for all, on its website drinkaware.ie.

This appeal is supported by the festival organizers Pod, the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána.

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• Electric Picnic official site