Press release -
Dangerous Motorists Set To Drink and Drive Over Christmas
- 18 per cent of drivers who have driven over the limit over the festive period have done so on Christmas Day
As this year’s festivities peak later this week, Post Office Car Insurance urges drivers to think twice before taking to the roads after a drink or two. Research from its latest Safety on Wheels Report[i],reveals that during the three-days of Christmas[ii], one in five drivers who admit to getting behind the wheel after two or more units of alcohol, are most likely (18 per cent) to do so on Christmas Day itself.
Many of these drivers cite the need to visit family and friends (36 per cent) or limited public transport (33 per cent) over the period as their reasons for drinking and driving. One in five (19 per cent) of these drivers are lulled into a sense of security by quieter roads over the core festive period, while one in ten (10 per cent) believe there are fewer police keeping watch.
The month of December sees alcohol play a large part in many revellers’ Christmas celebrations, with almost a third (31 per cent) of drivers who have taken to the roads after consuming two or more units doing so in the run-up to Christmas Eve.
Paul Havenhand, Head of Insurance at Post Office said: “With Christmas almost upon us, we would urge drivers to reconsider taking to the roads after drinking. As families come together to celebrate the festive season, many motorists will have to plan their journeys carefully to ensure there is no danger of them getting behind the wheel after that extra tipple with Christmas Dinner.
“It is vital motorists remain vigilant about the dangers of drinking and driving even at this special time of year; getting behind the wheel when your reactions might be impaired is both dangerous and, depending upon the amount you have had, illegal. If you are convicted for drink driving it can have consequences you might not have foreseen; a motoring conviction might well limit your ability to take out motor insurance in the future.
“Wherever possible, always try to plan ahead. If you know you are likely to be drinking later in the day, make sure you know where the nearest public transport link is, or have the number of a licensed taxi firm. Make sure you have nothing more to worry about other than a slightly sore head the next day. Having that extra drink is not worth risking your license, or the safety of yourself and those around you.”
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Carmel McCarthy
Post Office Press Office
Tel: 020 7250 2268
Mob: 07717 294529
Twitter: @postofficenews
carmel.mccarthy@postoffice.co.uk
1 Opinium Survey of 2,005 adults between 26th and 29th November 2013 of which 1,364 own a car.
[ii] Three days over Christmas period is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Post Office Limited has an unrivalled national network of over 11,500 branches across the UK, more than all the high street banks combined, and sits at the heart of many communities across the country. The Post Office has made a commitment to no more branch closure programmes. It provides around 170 different services and products spanning financial services including savings, insurance, loans, mortgages and credit cards. Post Office also offers Government services; telephony; foreign currency; travel insurance and mail services.
It serves around 20 million customers a week and half of all small businesses. 93% of the total population live within one mile of a post office and 99.7% within three miles. For many rural communities the post office is the only retail outlet. Post offices remain highly valued and trusted and are the focal point for many communities. For more information, visit www.postoffice.co.uk
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About the Post Office
The Post Office (Post Office Limited) has an unrivalled national network of over 11,500 branches across the UK, more than all the high street banks combined, and sits at the heart of communities in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. The Post Office has made a commitment to maintaining its network of branches at its current size and reach. It provides around 170 different products and services spanning financial services including savings, insurance, loans, mortgages and credit cards; Government services; telephony; foreign currency; travel insurance and mail services.
The Post Office serves over 17 million customers a week and a third of small businesses. Some 99.7% of the total population live within three miles of a post office and over 97% live with one mile of a post office. For many rural communities, the post office is the only retail outlet. Post Offices branches remain highly valued and trusted, and are the focal point of many communities. For more information, visit http://www.postoffice.co.uk/.
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