The mince pies are out, the parties are in full swing, and our roads busier than ever.
Whether it’s the work Christmas social, a family meal, or a new year’s party, December is the time for celebration (and a little more chaos on the roads).
We talk about the risks, why they’re on the rise, and practical steps to help you and your passengers stay safe on UK roads this festive season...
Why is December peak drink driving season?
It might seem obvious, but it’s important to set the scene. Knowing why can help put things into perspective and help you prevent potential risks becoming risks in the first place.
December is a month of festive celebration. Whether it's parties, work events or social gatherings, many of us love to go out and enjoy the Christmas period together. These social events often involve alcohol, which is why we see an increase in drink driving in December.
In December 2023, police caught 5,116 drivers either over the limit or refusing a breath test, which was more than any other month. And this isn’t just a seasonal spike. It’s getting worse every year.
Home office data shows the amount of positive or refused breath tests has surged by 60% over the last decade, from 10% in 2014 to 16% in 2023. That’s roughly 1 in 6 drivers.
The dangers and consequences of drink driving
There are immediate dangers, legal consequences and even insurance impacts because of drink driving. Here's what you need to know:
Immediate dangers
It’s not just a personal risk, everyone on the road is endangered when it comes to drink driving, from pedestrians and cyclists to motorists and passengers.
Consuming alcohol slows your reaction time, impairs judgement and can turn a simple drive home into a catastrophe. 44,861 drivers in England and Wales were caught over the limit or refused a test in 2023 alone, a 3% rise from the year before.
Legal consequences
You could face hefty fines, driving bans, and even time in prison for being caught intoxicated behind the wheel.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath (and 22 micrograms in Scotland). Because there’s so many factors to consider how many drinks would take you over the limit (such as weight, sex, strength of alcohol, etc.), the only certain way to be safe is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re planning to drive.
Alcohol can stay in your system well into the next day, too, so consider whether you're safe to drive the morning after a night out.
If you’re caught above the limit or refuse a test, punishment can vary from an unlimited fine to being banned from driving, or even up to 6 months’ imprisonment.
Insurance impact
If you're caught drink driving, your insurance premiums will go up (if you’re still legally allowed to drive). But did you know it can also contribute to driving up the prices for all other motorists, too?
Any claim you may need to make because of drink driving that you caused can be denied, and your policy cancelled.
Other reasons you may lose concentration this time of year
Our research shows a third (35%) of designated drivers have dealt with drunk passengers being disruptive or rowdy, affecting over 7.5 million UK drivers in total.
Here are some other causes of distractions:
- Rushing to places if you’re late
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Bad weather such as snow, ice and fog
- Your phone alerting you to messages
- Overloading your car which limits visibility
- Eating and drinking while driving
These distractions may seem harmless, but they all stack up.
Steering clear of festive danger
Staying safe on the roads is simple and just takes a little common sense. Here are some handy tips:
- Have a designated driver: take one for the team, they’ll love you for it.
- Plan ahead: book a taxi in advance, it may even be cheaper for you.
- Respect the driver: they’ll need to concentrate, so try and keep the noise down.
- Drive on familiar roads: this may help you feel more comfortable at the wheel if you’re driving late at night.
- Check your car before long journeys: it’s good practice to get your car winter ready.
- Never drink and drive: even one drink can impair you.
- Keep everything in the car secure: make sure luggage and bags don’t obstruct your view or can move while you’re driving.
- Take breaks on long trips: take your time to refresh and recharge so you can stay alert on the roads.
And finally, while prevention is always better than making a claim, make sure your car insurance covers you for everything you want it to.
