Drink driving offences likely to be committed after 1 in 4 family gatherings this Xmas
A quarter of family gatherings over the next few days are likely to result in someone getting behind the wheel after too much ‘Christmas spirit’, according to a survey carried out by independent roadside recovery company, GEM Motoring Assist.
Of those who anticipated a particular relative would be drinking to excess and then driving; 1 in 5 were already dreading the day because of it with a further 7 out of 10 saying it would possibly cause them some anxiety on the day. And it seems it’s not young drivers that are most likely to be at fault – the survey also suggested that around two thirds of offenders would be over the age of 40.
But being our nearest and dearest, blowing the whistle on the offending person, even as a last resort, is highly unlikely with only 3 per cent saying they would report a drink driving friend or relative to the police. Almost 40 per cent would not even consider it, and a further two in five would do so only if that person appeared to be completely incapable of driving. We are however somewhat less forgiving of strangers, being five times more likely to report someone unknown to the police for the offence.
But even though reticent to call the police, nearly 7 out of 10 admitted they had at one time or another voiced concern to a friend or relative who was planning to drive, and most of us would be prepared to take some positive actions if necessary to prevent them drinking to excess and/or getting behind the wheel. While watering down their drink is the least likely tactic, rather more of us might take inspiration from the Nuns in Christmas movie favourite, The Sound of Music, by attempting to disable the car in some way.
According to the survey the five most likely methods that would be employed to dissuade an offender are:
1. Point out they are driving and therefore should stop drinking
2. Ask them to stay the night
3. Gently suggest they don’t need a refill because they have to drive
4. Hide the keys / disable the car
5. Persuade them to take a cab or be driven by someone who hasn’t consumed alcohol
Speaking about the findings, David Williams, MBE, GEM’s Chief Executive said; “We are really very shocked at the high number of family gatherings that are likely to be affected by this appalling offence. Year after year we hear stories of people who suffer the devastation of having someone killed by a drink driver during the festive period yet so many still feel they are above the law or it would never happen to them.”
Mr Williams continued: “It is particularly disappointing that the very people who are older and wiser seem to be the worst offenders and we have to do more to make people aware of the risk not only to themselves but most importantly to others that are affected by their actions. Having a road safety charity arm to our organisation, we are committed to helping to reduce these tragedies, whatever the time of year.”
GEM believes much of the problem still boils down to people’s ignorance of the effects of alcohol including how much is too much and how long it takes the body to process it. In order to help raise awareness, the organisation has devised an Alcohol Test where there’s no penalty for failure.
See also:
