A recent survey conducted by IAM RoadSmart highlights a concerning trend among UK motorists: a significant portion of drivers consume alcohol within a 12-hour window before driving, particularly the following morning.
The study, based on responses from 1,072 drivers, found that:
-
38% admitted to drinking alcohol after 9pm the night before driving before 9am;
-
21% continued drinking past 10pm under the same circumstances.
Risk Factors and Expert Commentary
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, stated:
“Drivers may unwittingly be over the legal limit the morning after, impairing reaction times even if technically legal.”
He also warned that alcohol consumption diminishes sleep quality, resulting in fatigued or impaired driving even without illegal blood alcohol levels. The organisation reaffirmed its campaign message: “None for the Road.”
Jo Shiner KPM, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) roads policing lead, added:
“There is no excuse for driving while impaired—whether by drink or drugs—especially in the morning after a night of drinking. July is statistically the worst month for alcohol- or drug-related KSI collisions.”
Survey Highlights
-
31% of respondents reported witnessing someone drive immediately after drinking;
-
72% intervened or warned them;
-
23% took no action;
-
5% said it was not their business.
-
-
81% of respondents support mandatory drink-drive rehabilitation courses for offenders.
-
62% believe the growing availability of alcohol-free alternatives may help reduce drink-driving rates.
Conclusion
The data underscores growing concern around “morning-after” drink-driving, a trend often overlooked compared to late-night offences. Authorities and safety advocates continue to promote abstinence from alcohol when any form of driving is anticipated, and encourage peer accountability and law enforcement alignment.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
