RAC Warns Partygoers: Don’t Drive Drunk the Morning After Christmas Bash
As the UK dives into Christmas party season, the RAC is sounding the alarm for drivers aged 25-44. New research shows a worrying 8% of them admit to driving while possibly still over the legal alcohol limit the day after drinking — double the rate of all drivers (4%).
25-44s Most at Risk of Drink-Driving
The RAC’s study of 3,000 drivers reveals this age group is also more likely to drive shortly after drinking. Five percent believe they’ve driven with illegal booze levels, compared to 3% across all ages. Even more shocking, 3% confess they’ve definitely driven drunk, compared to 2% of all drivers.
Across the board, 7% of drivers admit to getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have. That’s up from 5% in 2021 but still far below the pre-pandemic highs — 13% in 2019 and 14% in 2018.
Crackdown Support Surges: Breathalysers and Alcolocks
- 54% back more roadside breathalyser tests by police
- 43% want offenders’ cars fitted with alcolocks that stop drunk starts
- 32% think every vehicle should have an alcolock, not just banned offenders
- 27% want all drivers to carry personal breathalysers — a figure that jumps to 39% for under-25s
Interestingly, concern about other drivers’ drink-driving has halved since 2019. Only 14% now see it as a top issue, down from 28% three years ago.
RAC Spokesman Pleads for Safe Christmas Driving
“It’s very worrying to see nearly one in five drivers aged 25-44 admit to drink-driving, double last year’s rate and the highest since before the pandemic,” said RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams.
“Seven percent of all drivers think they’ve driven over the limit recently — a disappointing figure that may reflect the lack of lockdowns and open hospitality over the past year.”
“The good news is that drink-driving admissions remain well below pre-pandemic levels, which peaked at up to 20% between 2015 and 2019. But we must not slide back to those dangerous figures.”
“This Christmas, think twice before driving the morning after a heavy night out. A few hours’ sleep doesn’t clear alcohol quickly enough, especially after late work parties.”
“We also back the THINK! campaign urging friends to watch out for each other. It’s far better to play safe than risk your life or someone else’s.”
