‘Alarming’ drink driving trend emerges

An alarming two million over the limit drivers have risked getting behind the wheel of a car because they thought they were ‘less drunk’ than their passengers.

The worrying trend is most common after nights out, dinner parties and weddings, according to new research by Direct Line Car Insurance.

The study shows that one in 14 (seven per cent) of all motorists admit to drink-driving with passengers in their vehicle in the last two years. But eight out of ten of these – equivalent to two million drivers – say it was because they were ‘less drunk’ than their passengers.

The study was commissioned ahead of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety conference taking place on Wednesday and examining the effects that alcohol, drugs and mobile phones have on driving behaviour.

It says of the two million supposed ‘less drunk’ drivers, over two in five (44%) stated that it happens regularly and 35% have done it more than once.

A night out was the most common reason for ‘less drunk’ driving (32%), followed by driving home after a dinner party (25%). Weddings (21%), birthday parties (21%), after drinking at home (21%), or being at a sporting or leisure event (21%) were also frequently cited. Just under one in five name being at a festival.

Rob Miles, director of Motor at Direct Line Car Insurance said, ‘Being less intoxicated than the rest of your party isn’t a reason to drive.

‘If you are over the limit and get caught or have an accident, being the least drunk out of your group does not mean the penalty or the danger will be any less. We’d encourage all drivers to avoid alcohol altogether if they intend to get behind the wheel.’

Source: This is Money