- A fifth (22%) of Brits admit to driving under the influence, with men being most likely1
- Of those who admit to driving under the influence, over two fifths (43%) cite ‘feeling fine’ as a reason for drink/drug driving
- Drivers risk a driving ban, fine, six months in prison and a criminal record for drink/drug driving – as well as being unable to claim on their insurance2
As Brits begin to prepare for party season and upcoming festivities, research by Aviva reveals that millions are making dangerous decisions behind the wheel by drink/drug driving.
The study, which surveyed 2,001 Brits, revealed that over a fifth (22%) of Brits – equivalent to 12 million - have driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol3. One in seven (13%) admit to drink/drug driving the same day4, while 15% admit to driving the morning after, despite knowing they may still be over the legal alcohol limit.
Men (17%) are more likely to drink/drug drive than women (9%) - a tendency that slightly increases when looking at those who drive the morning after. According to the data, 19% of men admit to doing so, compared to 11% of women. This mirrors government data, which found that a higher portion of male drivers (6.2%) than female drivers (3.8%) reported being over the alcohol limit when behind the wheel5.
Millennials and Gen Z (those aged 18-43) are more likely to say they have driven under the influence, with more than a quarter (27%) stating this, compared to 19% of Brits in Gen X or Baby Boomer groups (those aged 44-78).
When looking at why drivers are making such decisions, over two fifths (43%) cited feeling fine and able to drive home. Over a third (37%) drove under the influence because they wanted to get home, and a further 29% stated it was a short journey.
The data also suggests an element of confidence and familiarity amongst drivers as being a reason to drink/drug drive, with 22% stating they know the roads well and a fifth (20%) believing they are a safe and good driver.
Martin Smith, Motor Claims Manager at Aviva, comments: “Although you may ‘feel’ fine and able to drive, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel under any circumstances if you have taken drugs or drunk alcohol. Doing so will severely affect your ability to think clearly and react, no matter how safe a driver you think you are, or may be when sober.
A drink/drug driving conviction could affect your ability to take out car insurance, and if you already have a policy in place, it could increase your future premium.
“Not only are you risking your life and those around you, in the event of an accident you may be liable for any repair costs as most insurance policies will have an exclusion relating to drugs and alcohol. On top of this, you could also face a prison sentence, fine and driving ban – all of which are likely to impact your car insurance premium in the future.
“A drink/drug driving conviction could affect your ability to take out car insurance, and if you already have a policy in place, it could increase your future premium. Many people will also use their cars for work so if ever in doubt do not take the risk and get behind the wheel if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
-ends-
References:
1. Data taken from 2,001 nationally representative UK consumers (aged 18+) from 02.10.2024 - 04.10.2024. 22% (the number of those surveyed who admitted to driving under the influence) created by combining: ‘I have driven the morning after a night out, and may have been over the legal alcohol limit ‘and/or ‘I have driven while under the influence of alcoholic drinks ‘and/or ‘I have driven while under the influence of recreational/illegal drugs’.
2. Drugs and driving: the law - gov.uk
3. Data taken from 2,001 nationally representative UK consumers (aged 18+) from 02.10.2024 - 04.10.2024. Statistic created by: 53,646,829 (2022 ONS mid-year population estimate figures for UK adults, aged 18+) * 22% (the number of those surveyed who admitted to driving under the influence). ‘I have driven the morning after a night out, and may have been over the legal alcohol limit ‘and/or ‘I have driven while under the influence of alcoholic drinks ‘and/or ‘I have driven while under the influence of recreational/illegal drugs’.
4. 53,646,829 (2022 ONS mid-year population estimate figures for UK adults, aged 18+) * 13% (the number of those surveyed who admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs). ‘I have driven while under the influence of alcoholic drinks’ and/or ‘I have driven while under the influence of recreational/illegal drugs’.
5. Crime Survey for England and Wales: self-reported driver behaviour, year ending March 2024 - www.gov.uk.
Enquiries:
Amy Penn
General Insurance
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Phone
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+44 (0) 7385 011200
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Email
Notes to editors:
- We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
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