- 38% wouldn’t alter driving plans day after a boozy night
- 1 in 4 vote “don’t drink-drive” most important tip for new
drivers
- 32k court cases for drink driving last year
- AA Charitable Trust says drivers need to be aware of the
dangers this party season
-
The dangers of drink
driving and the law | The AA
A significant minority of drivers would still get behind the
wheel the day after a heavy night’s drinking, reveals new
research as the annual Christmas party season kicks off.
According to the AA/Yonder survey of 13,068 drivers*, almost four
in ten (38%) would not let being drunk the night before change
their plans to drive.
Young drivers were the most conscientious about re-considering
whether to drive the morning after and older drivers the least
(79% vs 54%).
Young drivers were also the most likely age group to want to warn
other new drivers about the dangers of drink driving.
The survey also found one third of 18-25-year olds chose ‘never
drink-drive’ as the top piece of advice they would give to
inexperienced peers (32%), the highest of any age category. Young
drivers were also the most likely to choose ‘don’t tailgate’ as
their top advice (8% vs 3% all ages).
Overall, one in four (28%) would impart the wisdom to never
drink-drive, followed by making sure you drive to the conditions
(16%) and always respect other road users (14%).
One in ten said their top advice for an inexperienced driver
would be never use your hand-held phone while driving (11%). A
further 9% said the best knowledge to pass on was to always wear
your seatbelt. Other advice included knowing that speed limits
are not targets (5%), making sure you learn basic car checks (2%)
and not hogging the middle lane (2%).
A drink driving conviction can result in up to 14 years
imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving
for two years. Drivers who are caught tailgating or hogging the
middle lane can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
There were 32,678 court cases for driving above the blood alcohol
limit last year, increasing by 13.9% on cases in 2020 (28,667)**.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable
Trust, said: “With the Christmas party season starting, many of
us will be out socialising with friends and family.
“Everyone wants a Christmas to remember, but it needs to be for
the right reasons.
“Drinking and driving simply do not mix. The best way drivers can
stay safe this festive season is to ensure if they are driving
they do not drink, and if they are drinking they do not drive.
“The fact not drinking and driving topped the list of advice
experienced drivers would give to new drivers shows that for many
drivers it’s really top of mind.
“The minority who might be tempted to drink and drive need to
take notice. There’s no reason to take a chance – organise
a lift, be the designated driver or book a taxi – but don’t drink
and drive.”
Data breakdown: “If you were going to give
advice to new drivers, what would your top advice be?”*:
- Don’t drink and drive (28%)
- Drive to the conditions (16%)
- Respect other road users (14%)
- Never use your hand-held mobile phone while driving (11%)
- Always wear a seatbelt (and your passengers) (9%)
- It’s a speed limit, not a target (5%)
- Learn to drive in a manual transmission (3%)
- Don’t tailgate (3%)
- Learn basic car checks (2%)
- Indicate (2%)
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
*AA-Yonder survey of 13,068 adults between 11th and 19th October
2022. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and
abides by its rules.
**Criminal Justice statistics: Criminal Justice System
statistics quarterly: December 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Drink driving penalties: gov.uk/drink-driving-penalties
