1 in 4 Brits don’t know you can be caught drink driving the next morning

Motorists are being warned they could be driving illegally without even realising it.

Car insurance experts at Quotezone have issued a warning after a recent survey revealed 1 in 4 people were unaware that 20% of drunk driving arrests happen the morning AFTER the driver has been drinking alcohol.

This surprising statistic highlights the dangers of residual alcohol in a driver’s system, which can remain high enough to impair their abilities even hours after their last drink.

The survey, conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, found that nearly a quarter of those surveyed, 24%,  said drink or drug drivers were their biggest fear on the roads.

It also underlines a common misconception about how quickly alcohol leaves the body as only 81% of respondents correctly identified that allowing enough time to pass is the most effective way to sober up before driving.

The results show that a significant 12% of people believe that ineffective methods such as drinking coffee, sleeping, or eating breakfast are enough to sober up to drive legally after drinking alcohol.

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 of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, while in Scotland, it’s stricter at 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Alcohol is processed by the body at an average rate of about one unit per hour, starting from when you stop drinking. For example, a single medium glass of wine (around 2.3 units) would take approximately two and a half hours to clear.

However, this rate can vary significantly depending on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the amount consumed. In some cases, traces of alcohol can be detected for up to 24 hours after drinking.*

Drink driving continues to be a problem in the UK, with 7% of drivers admitting to driving while over the drink-drive limit.**

A further 13% say they typically have at least one large alcoholic drink – such as a pint of beer or lager, or a large glass of wine or large measure of spirits – and then drive home.***

But driving or attempting to drive while over the legal limit or unfit due to alcohol can result in up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban of at least one year – rising to three years if convicted twice within ten years.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, explained: “Many people cling to myths about how to sober up, such as having a strong coffee or taking a cold shower, but these simply don’t work. While they might make drivers feel slightly better, they won’t actually speed up the process of alcohol leaving the system – time is the only reliable way to ensure it’s safe to drive.

“So it’s crucial for drivers to understand that the morning after drinking isn’t always a safe time to be on the road. If you’re caught with alcohol still in your system, you could face devastating fines and penalties – including imprisonment.

“It’s sensible for drivers to check online calculators to get an idea of when they should be allowed on the road given the drink they’ve consumed and err on the side of caution by not driving the following morning.

“It is however reassuring to see 70% would support a harsher restriction of zero alcohol behind the wheel, this year the market is flooded with zero alcohol alternatives across both wines and beers – helping to ease the temptation for drivers.”

Safe driving tips:

1.Understand how long alcohol stays in your system

Alcohol typically leaves the body at a rate of about one unit per hour, starting from when you stop drinking. However, this varies depending on factors like body weight, gender, metabolism, and how much alcohol you’ve consumed. Be cautious and don’t rely solely on this rule – allow extra time if you’re unsure.

2.Plan ahead for celebrations

If you plan to drink, make transportation arrangements beforehand. Use taxis, public transport, or ride-sharing apps, or assign a designated driver for the night. If you know the celebrations are going to carry on late into the night, consider staying overnight nearby to avoid the temptation to drive too soon the following day.

3.Don’t fall for sobering-up myths

Methods like drinking coffee, taking a cold shower, or having a big breakfast might make you feel a little better, but they don’t speed up the process of alcohol leaving your body. Time is the only reliable way to sober up before driving.

4.Be cautious of morning after risks

Residual alcohol can still impair your driving the next morning. Calculate how long it’s been since your last drink, but remember this is only a rough guide. If you feel hungover or unsure, it’s safest not to drive at all.

5.Know the legal limits and penalties

Familiarise yourself with the drink-drive limits:

                •              England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood

                •              Scotland: 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood

Driving over the limit can result in heavy fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment – not to mention the risk of causing serious accidents.

6.Consider using a personal breathalyser

If you’re ever in doubt, a personal breathalyser can give you an idea of whether you’re safe to drive. However, the results are not always perfect, so again, be cautious.

References:

*https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system
** https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/drink-driving-in-the-uk/ CHANGE REF
*** https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/drink-driving-in-the-uk/

SURVEY RESULTS: Quotezone.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during November 2024, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.