As the festive party season kicks into high gear, a sobering new survey has exposed alarming attitudes towards drink-driving among the British public. The research, commissioned by motor insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk, indicates that a significant portion of drivers are planning to take a dangerous risk this December.
Survey Reveals Festive Risk-Taking
The key finding from the study is stark: almost a quarter (24%) of Britons admit they will drive after consuming at least one alcoholic drink during the Christmas period. While they may believe they will remain under the legal limit, experts warn that any amount of alcohol impairs judgement and increases the risk of a collision.
This admission comes at the most dangerous time of year for such behaviour. Historical data confirms that drink-driving incidents consistently peak in December, as celebrations for Christmas and New Year take place across the country. The human cost is devastating, with the latest figures showing that approximately one in six road fatalities involves a driver who was over the legal alcohol limit.
Public Backing for Stricter Laws
Interestingly, the survey also uncovered a strong vein of caution and disapproval among the public. Nearly half (47%) of respondents stated they would feel uncomfortable if their designated driver had even a single alcoholic drink, highlighting a clear social stigma against mixing driving with any alcohol.
This sentiment is reflected in broader support for legislative change. A substantial majority, 66% of Brits, said they would support a new law banning all alcohol consumption before driving. This suggests significant public backing for a move towards a zero-tolerance approach, similar to policies in Scotland and several other European countries.
The current legal limits in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are:
- 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Expert Warns of "Serious Consequences"
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, issued a stern warning to those considering drinking and driving. "December often brings lots of opportunities to meet up with friends and family, and alcohol is frequently involved in the celebrations," he said.
"Even though research shows any alcohol increases your risk of crashing, a quarter of people admit to having a drink and driving," Wilson noted, referencing the survey's troubling statistic.
He emphasised the critical need for forward planning and next-day vigilance. "Ensuring you are fully sober – especially the following day – is crucial for reducing road collisions during Christmas, a peak time for drink driving. Anyone planning to drink over Christmas needs to pre-plan how they’re getting home and ensure they check if they are legal to drive the next morning."
Wilson concluded with a reminder of the potential penalties: "If you’re caught driving with alcohol still in your system, you could face serious consequences, such as fines, penalty points, and even imprisonment." The message from safety experts is unequivocal: the only safe limit when driving is zero.
