Over one million people admit that they drink drive once a week(1), according to figures released to mark the launch of this year’s ‘Designated Driver’ Christmas campaign by
The survey also found that the vast majority of people are unaware that there are no official guidelines on the amount of alcohol that can legally be consumed before getting behind the wheel – just 5% of those questioned answered this correctly. On average, respondents thought that there was a suggested limit of 2.3 units of alcohol that you could drink and still be safe to drive; in fact, current Government advice is to avoid alcohol if you are driving, as the legal limit depends on a range of factors, including age, weight, gender, metabolism and what you’ve eaten recently.
This year marks the sixth year that
Jon Woods, General Manager,
The survey also shows that people are less likely to drink drive than in the past, showing that the Government’s ‘THINK!’ campaigns are having an effect. Over half of those questioned said they were more likely to drive whilst knowingly over the limit than a decade ago, a number that increases to over three-quarters of people living in the countryside.
Road Safety Minister, Robert Goodwill, said: “Most people know that drinking and driving is wrong and don’t do it, but sadly there are some who still do. Anyone tempted to have a tipple at Christmas time before climbing behind the wheel should know they face some very serious consequences. Not only will you lose your licence but, if you rely on your car for work, you will potentially lose your job or wreck your chance of future employment.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive, British Beer and Pub Association said: “It’s great to see
The survey found that men are twice more likely than women (21% to 10%) to drink when the designated driver with the most common reasons for drink driving given as:
- Feeling sober even though over the limit (33%)
- Only travelling a short distance (24%)
- Only travelling on very quiet roads (20%)
The survey also reveals a split between rural and urban dwellers when it comes to attitudes to drink driving. Three times as many rural dwellers* think the legal limit is too low, compared to those in cities (18% compared to 6%)* and twice as many people in the countryside have drunk driven because they are on quiet roads compared to those in towns (33% compared to 16%).
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* Statistics rural dwellers are based on small sample sizes – rural figures are drawn from 42 respondents.
For further information, images or interview requests please contact:
Helen Davison
Tel: 020 3542 1120
Email: helen.davison@theopen-road.com
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Designated Driver campaign will run for three weeks from 9th to 31st December 2013 in over 8,000 pubs and venues up and down the country, as part of an ongoing partnership with the Department for Transport’s THINK! road safety campaign. The buy one, get one free offer will be at the discretion of individual venues.
Designated Driver is part of
The Designated Driver Campaign is a key feature of
About the survey:
Populus interviewed 2,019 GB adults online between 6 and 7 November 2013. Results have been weighted to be representative of all GB adults.
1. In the 2011 census, it was estimated that there are 48.4 million adults. 76% of survey respondents said they own a UK driving licence = 36.78m adults. 3% of respondents with a UK driving licence said they drink drive once a week = 1.1m adults
About
Coca-Cola Great Britain is responsible for marketing 21 brands and over 100 products to consumers across Great Britain, with a focus upon developing new brands and extending existing brands including
About the THINK! Drink Driving campaign:
The number of people killed in drink drive accidents has been reduced by over three-quarters since 1979 thanks to more than 30 years of Government education campaigns and measures to improve enforcement. However, drink driving is still a problem and 280 people lost their lives in drink drive accidents on Britain’s road in 2012.
The Department for Transport’s THINK! Drink Driving campaign has had a long-standing and well supported partnership with the on-trade and soft drinks industry. The THINK! campaign aims to support the designated driver through the provision of promotional offers and ‘rewards’, linked to the purchase of soft drinks, on their night out.
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