More than a third of drivers may have been over the legal blood alcohol limit the morning after drinking the night before, new research uncovers
August 2025 - Automotive
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More than a third of drivers may have been over the legal blood alcohol limit the morning after drinking the night before, new research uncovers: In a survey of UK motorists 38% of drivers revealed they drove before 9am the morning after consuming alcoholic drinks post 9pm. Even more worryingly, a fifth (21%) of drivers were still drinking after 10pm despite needing to drive early the next day.
IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity, commissioned Online95 to help them carry out online surveys amongst UK motorists to explore the timeframe between when an individual consumers alcohol and when they next get behind the wheel. In June just over 1,000 questionnaires were completed by UK residents holding a full current driving license and who drive a vehicle at least once a month. Results showed disturbing figures for the amount of people possibly driving under the influence the morning after drinking.
The survey also revealed that roughly a third (31%) of drivers have been in the company of friends or relatives, in the last 12 months, who have been drinking alcohol before getting into a vehicle. Encouragingly, nearly three quarters (72%) warned them not to drive their vehicle, but almost a quarter (23%) chose not to speak up. 5% believed it was not their place to say anything.
Additionally, the survey highlighted ways motorists believe we can reduce the rates of drink-driving to improve safety on the roads. Approximately two thirds (62%) of respondents suggested increasing the availability of non-alcoholic drinks as a positive measure that could help lower cases of drink-driving. Moreover, four in five (80%) strongly support drink-drive rehabilitation courses, with 81% believing they should be made mandatory for offenders. Over 4 out of 5 (83%) felt road safety modules were the most effective part of these programmes, but many would like to see additional modules that focus on the impact drink-driving can have on victims.
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