Drink Driving Admissions

Almost a fifth of motorists admit to driving the morning after a night of heavy drinking.

The AA says men aged between 18 and 30 are the worst offenders.

On Friday, the drink-drive limit was reduced in Scotland and Police estimate an extra 35 drivers could be stopped every week during the festive season.

A campaign is being launched today urging people to ditch the car this Christmas.

Commenting, Edmund King, AA president, said: 

"It is encouraging to see that many people are choosing to select a designated driver before a night out but it’s really important that they also consider arrangements for the morning after too. Alcohol levels in the body can still mean that drivers are over the limit the following morning and we want to ensure that people are fully aware of this when they are making the decision whether or not to get behind the wheel.
 
"There are many urban myths and rituals used to try to counter hang-overs and reduce blood alcohol levels but the only save method is to drink less or give adequate time for the alcohol to leave your system. The same penalties, such as minimum year's ban, for drink driving apply the morning after as they do the night before."
 
Denis O'Flynn, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard UK, added: 

"This year we are using the Jameson brand to grab the attention of young adults who may be tempted to drink-drive. It's clear that a lot of people are making the right choices but often they don't realise the dangers of driving in the morning after a night of festivities.
 
"The Christmas period is a key time for our trade customers and they can also play a role in encouraging people to make sensible decisions when it comes to driving. We would suggest implementing simple ideas in pubs and bars, such as having a local taxi list accessible on the bar or allowing customers to leave their car in the car park overnight, to collect later the following day."