Drink driving in young motorists

A shocking number of young motorists (17 to 24-year-olds) feel that it’s fine to drink and drive, according to a new survey.

Brake and Direct line united forces recently to ascertain young people’s attitudes towards drink driving. They found that nearly a third of drivers would be prepared to take their car after drinking, and that over a half would drive the morning after consuming.

Further, their understanding of the facts leaves a little to be desired – 12% thought it was possible to drive safely after having consumed three or more units.

Not all is lost; nearly two thirds of those interviewed realised that any amount of alcohol would affect driving. However, this figure should be much higher, ideally at exactly 100%. That over a third of drivers do not understand the effects of alcohol on driving is an extremely worrying prospect.

Of course, the most prudent course of action is not to drink at all. Any amount of alcohol can impair the senses and reduce reaction times. When you add in the strict alcohol limits for driving, the best thing to do in terms of safety and legality is simply to not drink at all. Viewed from the other side, when one is certain that some drink will be involved, it is always best to arrange another form of transport, be it via a designated driver or public transport.

The advice from Blake Lapthorn’s motoring offences team? Don’t drink and drive if you don’t want to die or get a criminal record. Wise words.

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