'Worrying' amount of motorists misinformed about drink driving

Date: 15/12/2011

A "worrying" number of drivers are misinformed about the amount of alcohol they can safely drink before getting behind the wheel, new research has revealed.

Conducted by Direct Line and Brake, a study discovered 12 per cent of people think they can consume three or more units and still drive safely.

Some 62 per cent of respondents were aware that drinking as little as one unit of alcohol can affect the way in which they drive.

However, 53 per cent of motorists still take to the road the morning after a heavy night out, which means alcohol is still likely to be in their system, thus putting their safety at risk.

Managing Director of Personal Lines at Direct Line Tom Woolgrove said: "Driving brings with it huge responsibility and for young inexperienced drivers, greater education and legislation is required."

It is not only drink driving rules some motorists are failing to follow, as Freedom of Information findings published by swiftcover.com recently revealed 171,223 motorists received Fixed Penalty Notices for using their mobile phone behind the wheel in 2010-11.

Posted by Sarah Bailey