High profile campaigns fail to curb drink driving

Almost four million drink drivers are set to hit the roads this summer

Anti drink driving messages are failing to hit home as the nation’s drivers are still taking to the roads after drinking over the legal limits.

New research from safe driver champion Privilege Insurance released today indicates that a quarter (23 per cent) of drivers claim to drive after drinking above the legal limit.

This indicates that nationally over 7 million  Brits could be regularly taking the wheel under the influence and one in ten (12 per cent) plan to hit the roads this summer. One in twenty (4 per cent) admit they have driven after drinking over 10 units of alcohol – which equates to over five pints of beer.

Personal comfort beats safety it seems, when it comes to drink driving. An eighth (12 per cent) of drivers quizzed by Privilege prefer to drink and drive their own cars than take public transport and one in ten drive as it is cheaper than taking a taxi. Worryingly, 12 per cent still consider themselves to be safe drivers, even if they’ve had a drink.

It’s socialising that is tempting drivers to drive after drinking, the Privilege survey indicates. Social events, such as dinner with friends, are to blame for 58 per cent of drivers taking to the roads after a drink, followed by family events like weddings (12 per cent) and work nights out (9 per cent).

The research suggests that the regularity of the phenomenon is alarming. A fifth (20 per cent) of motorists have driven under the influence within the last two weeks, over a fifth (22 per cent) drink drive at least once a month, and almost a sixth (14 per cent) have taken to the road following a drink over a hundred times in their lifetime.

But it’s not just drivers who are to blame for irresponsible motoring - passengers are an influencing factor too. Over half (54 per cent) of passengers surveyed by Privilege admit they’ve bought their designated driver an alcoholic beverage knowing full well that they were driving, and 15 per cent admit to turning a blind eye to the driver’s drinking.

Drivers in the North West of England are the most likely to drink and drive the Privilege research reveals, while those in the Midlands are least likely to take to the roads under the influence.

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance commented on the findings:
“The research findings reveal that drink driving is still a serious problem in the UK. Many drivers don’t realise the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol – even one pint of beer can lead to impaired judgement on the roads and motor accidents. 

“We urge drivers to consider alternative methods of transport home if they have been drinking. Although they may feel that they are able to control a car, drinking can produce slower reaction times, loss of concentration, loss of spatial awareness and blurry vision."

Privilege specialises in offering highly competitive insurance for safe drivers, with a guarantee to beat renewal quotes for any driver with 4 years + no claims discount. For a competitive Privilege quote, telephone 0845 246 8336 or visit  www.privilege.com.

For more information, contact iJack Communications:
Simon Francis, 020 7419 7340, simon.francis@ijack.com
Rachael Shaw, 0204 419 7335, rachael.shaw@ijack.com