26 July 2024
Eight out of 10 (83%*) drivers say that the wide range of zero alcohol drinks now available means drink-driving is ‘inexcusable’, according to a poll carried out by The AA.
The survey of more than 13,800 drivers also discovered that more than two fifths (46%) of drivers have tried a zero alcoholic drink, with around one in seven willing to try the numerous low alcohol options available to them including; gin, lager, stout, rum and wine.
Such is the rising popularity of zero and low alcoholic beverages available to drivers that more than a third (35%) of young drivers aged 18-44 will take such drinks with them when they are the designated driver visiting family and friends. Similarly, 35% of drivers have zero alcohol drinks at home, where a quarter say their visitors are now choosing them over other options.
Traffic is set to be heavy this weekend now that all schools have finished for the academic year and the summer getaway kicks off properly, The AA hopes the boom in zero and low alcohol sales means people can safely raise a glass with the designated driver. As well as holidaymakers travelling across the UK, this weekend is set to by summer filled with sporting events, music festivals and exciting parties.
“For some drivers, drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel is far too easy.”
Drink-driving accounts for one in 10 road fatalities
The reasons for tackling drink-driving are tragically obvious. According to the latest road casualty statistics for 2022, one in 10 deaths on UK roads were caused when the driver or rider were impaired by alcohol, and 6,383 people suffered injuries on the roads when a driver or rider had been under the influence of alcohol**.
Edmund King, AA president, said; “Let’s raise a glass to the designated driver, especially with the boom in zero alcohol beverages available.
“For some drivers, drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel is far too easy, even more so with glorious weather forecast for this weekend. The allure of the pub garden will be incredibly tempting. Sadly, the road safety stats show that this action can have tragic and catastrophic consequences. Drivers are right that doing so is simply ‘inexcusable’, and our Motoring Manifesto*** calls for more ‘cops in cars’ to help police the problem.
“Our mantra has always been ‘if you’re going to drink, don’t drive and if you’re going to drive, don’t drink’. Those getting behind the wheel can now feel closer to an event with the wide range of non-alcoholic drinks, but are safe in the knowledge that they can safely drive home.”
* Yonder received 13,836 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd April 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
** Figures taken from RAS0701: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65143a8bb1bad400144fd8fc/ras0701.ods
*** AA Motoring Manifesto 2024 | AA (theaa.com)
Advice on the dangers of drink-driving; The dangers of drink driving and the law | The AA