A third of motorists have ‘driven when drunk’: confused.com

Nearly a third of British motorists (29%) have “driven when drunk”, according to confused.com, the price comparison website.

A survey of 2,000 adults carried out by One Poll Research on behalf of confused.com suggests that drink driving is more prevalent during the summer months.

In the survey, 29% of respondents answered ‘yes’ to the following question: “Have you ever driven whilst under the influence of alcohol?”

Of the 573 people who answered ‘yes’, 187 (33%) admitted to doing so this year or last year, while 304 (53%) said they did so more than five years ago. When asked about the time of year they drove under the influence of alcohol, 54% said ‘summer’.

8% (165) of the total respondents admitted they had been ‘caught by police whist driving under the influence of alcohol’; 32% said they’d been a passenger in a car driven by a driver under the influence; and 7% said they’d been involved in a collision caused by a driver under the influence.

51% of respondents said there is more temptation to drink alcohol during the summer months, with nearly a third (31%) admitting that they find it more sociable to enjoy a drink at this time of year.

Confused.com says there is a “worrying disparity” between those who admit to drink driving and those caught for the offence.

Commenting on the issue of summer drink driving, James Gibson from Road Safety GB said: "Summer is a great time to celebrate with friends and enjoy time outside at parties and barbeques.

“However, with drinking at home it is easy to get caught out with larger measures and with drinks being topped up before they have been finished.

“While most people are responsible enough to make a choice between drinking and driving, there are are some drivers who don’t make the right choices, some who don’t care and those who don’t think that one drink will matter.

“Drivers need to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements if they are planning to have a drink. Drinking and driving doesn’t mix.

“Drivers also need to leave sufficient time following a night of drinking before they drive again so they avoid becoming a morning after drink driver.”