Drivers across the UK are being urged to think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking, as police forces ramp up their summer crackdown on impaired driving.
New research from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has uncovered a troubling trend: over a third of drivers (38%) admit to consuming alcohol after 9pm, even when they plan to drive before 9am the next day. Shockingly, 21% said they had their last drink after 10pm.
The warning comes as the Department for Transport (DfT) confirms that July now sees more drink-driving related casualties than even December, historically the peak month for such incidents.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, issued a stark reminder:
“Drink-driving is a killer. Many drivers might unknowingly be over the legal limit the next morning, seriously endangering themselves and others.”
Even when under the legal limit, alcohol can still impair reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. Drink Aware advises that the body removes alcohol at a rate of roughly one unit per hour—though this varies. For example, drinking three large glasses of wine or pints of strong beer (around nine units) at 10pm could leave alcohol in the system well into the next morning.
The IAM RoadSmart survey of 1,072 motorists also revealed concerning attitudes towards drink-driving:
- 31% had been with someone who drank alcohol before driving.
- While 72% warned them not to drive, 23% did nothing, and 5% said it was “none of their business”.
There is, however, widespread support for tougher action:
- 80% believe drink-drive rehabilitation courses are essential for reducing reoffending.
- 81% support making such courses mandatory for convicted offenders.
Tragically, 2022 saw an estimated 300 deaths in Great Britain involving at least one driver over the drink-drive limit – the highest toll since 2009.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, roads policing lead for England and Wales, stated:
“There is no excuse for driving impaired – whether it’s after a night out or the next morning. If you choose to do so, you’re putting your life and the lives of others at risk.”
Police across the country are now carrying out Operation Spotlight, a dedicated campaign running throughout the summer aimed at cracking down on drink and drug driving.
Sheena Hague, Director of Road Safety at National Highways, added:
“Driving with alcohol in your system impairs your ability and puts lives at risk – it’s simply not worth it.”
Lyes concluded with a clear message for drivers:
“Our advice is always ‘none for the road’. If you’re drinking the night before, either limit your intake or delay your journey the next morning. It’s not worth the risk.”
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