Drinking and Driving: A Hidden Threat on UK Roads

Strategic Insights -

According to a recent survey of 1,072 UK motorists, more than one in five (21%) have drunk alcohol after 10pm, knowing they need to drive before 9am the following morning. This poses a serious risk to road safety, as the next morning's "groggy head" can lead to slower reaction times. Road safety charity IAM RoadSmart warns that even if drivers are just inside the legal limit, the level of alcohol in their system will impair their reaction times. The survey also found that 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks before driving stopped drinking after 9pm.

Key Takeaways:

  • A staggering 21% of motorists have driven after drinking alcohol the night before, while still impaired.
  • 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks before driving stopped drinking after 9pm, still leaving them at risk of impaired driving.
  • Charities such as IAM RoadSmart and Drinkaware emphasize that alcohol is removed from the body at a rate of one unit per hour, which can be influenced by factors such as weight, liver health, and metabolism speed.
  • IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes highlights that even being just inside the legal limit, drivers can still be impaired and pose a threat to road safety.
  • Chief Constable Jo Shiner emphasizes that there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired through drink or drugs, and emphasizes the risks it poses to drivers and others.
  • The survey found that nearly a third (31%) of drivers had been with a friend or relative who drank alcohol before getting into a vehicle in the previous 12 months.
  • 72% of this group warned them not to drive, while 23% took no action.
  • 81% of people polled believe rehabilitation courses should be mandatory for those convicted of a drink-drive offence.

Statistics:

  • 21% of motorists have driven after drinking alcohol the night before, while still impaired.
  • 38% of people who have consumed several alcoholic drinks before driving stopped drinking after 9pm.
  • 31% of drivers had been with a friend or relative who drank alcohol before getting into a vehicle in the previous 12 months.
  • 72% of those who had been with a friend or relative who drank before driving warned them not to drive.
  • 23% of those who had been with a friend or relative who drank before driving did nothing to stop them.
  • 81% of people polled believe rehabilitation courses should be mandatory for those convicted of a drink-drive offence.
  • One unit of alcohol is removed from the body per hour, and nine units is equivalent to three large glasses of wine or three pints of high-strength beer or cider.

Sources:

  • IAM RoadSmart: "New survey reveals worrying trend of drinking and driving in the morning after"
  • Drinkaware: "How long does it take for alcohol to leave the body?"
  • National Police Chiefs' Council: statement from Chief Constable Jo Shiner on drink-driving.