Drivers in London are more likely to drink drive than those from anywhere else in the country, according to a survey carried out by the RAC.
The survey, carried out for the RAC’s 2017 Report on Motoring, shows 26% of drivers in the Capital believe they have been guilty of drink driving in the last year.
This compares unfavourably to the national average of 16% – and even more so to the rural average of 11%.
The RAC has labelled the finding as ‘surprising’, citing the better access to public transport provision in the Capital and the greater dependence of those in rural areas on their cars to get home after a night out.
Nationally, the survey suggests that around five million drivers believe they may have got behind the wheel while over the limit in the past year.
On the back of the research – and with the festive period in full force – the RAC is urging motorists to ensure they’re safe to drive the ‘morning after the night before’.
Pete Williams, RAC spokesperson, said:
“Anyone who has been out celebrating during the festive period should be very mindful of not being over the limit when they go to drive the next day.
“Anyone who thinks they are likely to have sobered up enough to drive just because they went to bed for a few hours may just be about to ruin someone else’s Christmas as well as their own.
“It is vital that everyone who has been drinking leaves sufficient time for their body to process the alcohol they have consumed.
“The trouble is everyone metabolises alcohol at different rates so the message has to be to err on the side of caution by leaving extra time before deciding to drive, or better still to use an alternative form of transport such as bus, taxi or train, or get a lift from a friend or colleague.
“If you are having to think whether you are sober enough to drive then the answer is you probably aren’t.”
15 December 2017