As pubs and bars in England get ready to re-open their doors this weekend, research suggests drink-driving cases could soar.
New research from Confused.com reveals nearly 1 in 3 (30%) UK drivers will be heading to the pub to celebrate the end of lockdown, with most (80%) planning to have a drink (or 2). However, concerningly, a third (33%) of these motorists – equivalent to nearly 5 million – are planning to get behind the wheel to go for a drink.
Historically, summertime is a prolific time for drink-driving, with 2,861 motorists caught driving under the influence in July last year. That’s according to new FOI data obtained by Confused.com. As people are expected to flock to pubs re-opening across the UK over the next few months, this summer could be on track to attract record numbers of drink-driving convictions, especially while public transport restrictions are still in place.
With social distancing rules still in place, many revellers are surely wondering how to get home safely after drinking. In fact, almost a quarter of motorists (24%) have admitted to driving after a tipple, because they didn’t feel drunk. And as many of us start to use our cars more, for travel to work or non-essential shops, it can be confusing to know exactly when we’re safe to get back behind the wheel.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, says:
“I’m sure for many of us, the chance to meet up with friends in pubs and bars is a welcome relief after many months of lockdown measures.
“But as we ease out of one risky situation, we don’t want to put ourselves in danger of another. With our research showing that many of those planning to drink will be driving as part of their post lockdown celebrations, we need to clue up on the drink-drive laws, as there is a steep price to pay when putting yourself and others at risk.
”It’s quite simple: if you’re drinking, don’t drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. And don’t think you’re out of the woods the morning after, as it’s a prime time for drink-drivers to get caught. It can be confusing to know how long we need to wait before driving, but our alcohol consumption calculator helps estimate when you could be safe to drive. But when in doubt, don’t drive!”
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Human Race is Disgrace.. Always was Always will be.. Because of ignorant stupid people some people lose lives etc….
I’ve asked my friends if anyone is going out Saturday, resounding ‘not on your life, still to soon’.
Union Street will regress backwards with shop doorways urinated in, vomit splashed on pavements, blood outside pubs, and fast food boxes and cartons littering the street.
The dawn chorus consisting of foul mouthed yobs, and screaming woman with the background musical accompany of Police and ambulance sirens, smashed glass, and the sound of something or someone getting kicked into the gutter.
Any cars unfortunate enough to be parked in the vicinity will have mirrors booted off, scratched or jumped upon.
Welcome to the Isle of Wight, the peace was good it whilst it lasted.
So just another night in Ryde eh
Who in their right mind would drink then get into a car and drive and think this is ok. Lowlife irresponsible excuse for a human being that’s who. What’s wrong with these people, they could kill when behind the wheel. Sentencing should be harsher and a time in prison should be mandatory