Almost a quarter drink and drive

Partygoers are being urged to think carefully about their night out and plan their way home safely.

A survey conducted by motoring insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk  shows that almost a quarter (24%) of Brits admit they would drive after having one drink – drivers are warned that any alcohol increases their risk of crashing.

Nearly half, 47%, said they would feel uncomfortable if their designated driver had one drink.

Drink driving incidents typically peak in December,* as party season gets underway and Brits enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The latest figures show that around one in six fatalities on the road are related to drivers being over the limit.**

The legal alcohol limit for driving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Despite these limits, survey results show that 66% of Brits support a law banning all alcohol consumption before driving, indicating strong public backing for stricter regulations.

Alcohol affects everyone differently and can take a varying amount of time to leave the body, which is why police advice is to steer clear when driving and be sure to check the next morning before getting behind the wheel.***

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “December often brings lots of opportunities to meet up with friends and family, and alcohol is frequently involved in the celebrations. 

“Even though research shows any alcohol increases your risk of crashing, a quarter of people admit to having a drink and driving.

“It’s interesting that nearly half don’t approve, with 47% of passengers admitting a designated driver who has an alcoholic drink makes them uncomfortable.

“Ensuring you are fully sober – especially the following day – is crucial for reducing road collisions during Christmas, a peak time for drink driving. Anyone planning to drink over Christmas needs to pre-plan how they’re getting home and ensure they check if they are legal to drive the next morning.

“If you’re caught driving with alcohol still in your system, you could face serious consequences, such as fines, penalty points, and even imprisonment.”

Five party season safety tips:

1. Ignore the myths on how to sober up quickly

Myths such as taking a cold shower or eating carbs may help ease some hangover symptoms, but they will not remove alcohol from your body or make you fit to drive.

2. Choose a designated driver who’ll stay alcohol-free

Make sure your designated driver is someone you can trust and someone keen to stay alcohol-free – there’s now a huge range of zero alcohol wines and beers so drivers have plenty of options to enjoy the celebrations and stay safe.

3. Remember how long alcohol stays in your system

Just because you’ve slept doesn’t mean you’re fully sober. Each unit of alcohol normally takes around one hour to pass through the body. There are plenty of online calculators to help drivers work out when they should be safe to drive again but always err on the side of caution.

4. When in doubt, don’t take the risk

If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to drive after drinking the night before, the safest choice is to avoid taking the risk. Drink driving can put both yourself and others in serious danger. 

5. Call out unsafe behaviour 

If someone you’re with has been drinking and attempts to drive, don’t hesitate to challenge them – it could save lives. 

References:

​ SURVEY – Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during November 2025, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.

*https://www.brake.org.uk/how-we-help/raising-awareness/our-current-projects/news-and-blogs/have-none-for-the-road-this-christmas
**https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-involving-illegal-alcohol-levels-2023/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-involving-illegal-alcohol-levels-2023
***https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-law/drink-driving/can-i-drive-the-morning-after-drinking-alcohol

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.