News that the
UK
government is looking
into reviewing its drink driving limit in line with other EU countries is probably
long overdue. But it’s also timely as the Christmas season of warm pubs and
cold weather gets into full swing.
Currently, drivers in
the
UK
can consume up to 80mg
of alcohol per 100ml of blood before legally getting behind the wheel. This is often
– but not always – interpreted as two pints of ordinary strength beer.
The new regulations would reduce this limit to just 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of
blood which could mean that a single glass of wine or one pint of beer would push
drivers over the legal limit.
While the government
is considering more of a ‘sliding scale’ approach to drink driving penalties
to accompany stricter consumption rules, perhaps it begs a question that every driver
should be asking this Christmas anyway – is it worth drinking at all?
Drink unaware
According to a recent
survey conducted by esure car insurance, more than two thirds (70%) of motorists
said that they are likely to have a drink this festive season and then drive afterwards.
But the respondents also admitted they would not consider hidden alcohol they may
have consumed in foods like Christmas cake, Christmas pudding or mince pies with
brandy butter.
“While most motorists
are well-informed about drink-driving rules, many are also unaware about the risks
of eating foods containing alcohol before getting behind the wheel,” says
Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, “yet one extra mince
pie could push a motorist over the legal limit.”
This, combined with
the high number of other unquantifiable factors that could push even conscientious
drivers over the line – such as gender, size, what you have eaten and how
long ago you had your last drink – means it becomes almost impossible to tell
whether you are safe to drive. In this case, it’s simply got to be worth avoiding
alcohol altogether.
Evaporating cover
It’s not just
the potential criminal record, inconvenience of a driving ban and the general trauma
that comes with this type of conviction that should spur drivers to stick to the
soft drinks this year; your motor insurance cover could be deemed invalid too.
Some policies for example,
carry a clause whereby if the driver is found to be over the legal alcohol limit
and has an accident their fully comprehensive status will no longer apply. This
means that, while the third party will be covered, they themselves cannot claim
for any loss or damage incurred to their person or vehicle. In other words, on top
of this, you will be considerably out of pocket too.
Blotch on your record
What’s more, if you have
been stung with a drink driving conviction you will have to declare it to subsequent insurers.
An estimated 60% to 70% of motor insurance providers simply won’t offer cover to an applicant
with a record of drink driving, which of course, reduces the scope of choice considerably. And,
after all choice – combined with the ability to shop around – is consumers’
biggest and best weapon when it comes to finding the cheapest deal.
For those insurers that will return
quotes, you can expect the premium to be eye-wateringly expensive. Recent research by Gocompare.com
found that a female in her mid-30s who has a drink driving conviction will pay at least an
extra £200 a year on her motor premiums.
And depending on your age and
gender, loading on premiums can be a starker than this. A young male driver can expect to pay up
to £500 extra a year for their insurance on top of what will already, statistically, be a hefty quote.
So regardless of new government
proposals, there really is little argument to support having an alcoholic drink at all over
the festive period.
Maximum limit, but minimum abuse
The good news however, is that,
according to recent research from insurer AXA, British drivers are some of the most conscientious
in Europe when it comes to getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.
In its annual survey of driver
behaviour among 10 European countries, the research found that just 4% of British drivers admit
to drink driving against a European average of 21%. The worst drivers were in Luxembourg where
a massive 40% readily admit to flouting alcohol and motoring laws. Only the Irish came in lower at 3%.
Chris Voller, head of motor claims at
AXA said: “These findings reveal British drivers are generally pretty safe behind the wheel and
it is especially pleasing to see, in the run up to Christmas, such a low level of drink driving. It goes
against the image of the binge drinking Brit and we are delighted to see that, at least when it comes
to driving, we show at least some abstinence.”