'Shocking' number of motorists 'unaware of drink drive dangers'

Date: 14/12/2010

The proportion of motorists who are unaware of the dangers of driving the morning after a night of heavy drinking has been described as "shocking" by one road safety expert.

Julie Townsend, Campaigns Director at Brake, was commenting on the results of new research conducted by the charity and Direct Line that showed 38 per cent of respondents admit to getting behind the wheel the morning after consuming alcohol, an increase on 28 per cent seven years ago.

The study also suggested many Britons do not know that even a small amount of alcohol can affect a person's ability to operate a vehicle, with 45 per cent saying they believe it would take two or more units for their driving to be affected.

With this week expected to be the busiest for after-work Christmas parties, Ms Townsend urged people to stay safe by planning ahead.

Kent Highway Services' road safety team also warned that just one beverage can be dangerous at the launch of a new drink driving campaign recently, This is Kent reported.

Posted by Sarah Bailey