Christmas – it’s a time to be merry, visit family and friends, and have a cup of cheer. But too many cups of cheer can lead to devastating consequences.
New research from Honchō, who specialise in automotive marketing, finds that over a third (36%) of drivers having an alcoholic beverage will potentially drive over the legal alcohol limit over Christmas time – unknowingly or not.
The research found that a whopping 22% of people drive over the limit after their work Christmas party, as Honchō’s CEO and Founder, Chris Ailey, urges employers to reconsider their employees’ safety when getting home from such organised events.
The study, which surveyed 1000 drivers across the UK, found a concerning trend of increased alcohol consumption during the festive season, leading to possible impaired driving. Asking drivers about their alcohol intake and driving habits after key Christmas events, including work Christmas parties, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, Honchō found that 1 in 11 (9%) drivers could drive over the limit on all occasions.
The survey reveals the average driver who will have a drink over the Christmas period, underestimates the amount of time they should wait before getting in their car by around 4 hours.
The research found that after Christmas Day (23%), work Christmas parties were the worst event for people driving over the limit the next day, with 22%. However, on this occasion, drivers were found to underestimate the time before they should drive by a whopping 5 hours and 7 minutes. After this was Boxing Day (20%), and Christmas Eve (20%).
Chris Ailey, CEO and Founder of Honchō comments: “The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, but it’s always crucial to prioritise safety, especially when you’re hosting Christmas parties for your employees.
“Our research solidifies the need for increased awareness and responsible decision making when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving, and this applies to not just Christmas, but all year round.
“If you are celebrating during the festive period, or encouraging your employees to do so while supplying alcohol, it’s crucial that you arrange alternative transport for when they are travelling home.
“At Honchō, our employees are able to expense travel to and from such work events to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
“I’d urge any employer to seriously reconsider their employee safety around this period, as taking proactive steps to provide alternative transportation options can make a significant impact on reducing any potential risks associated with impaired driving.”
Drink driving penalties can also come into effect here, with the GOVwebsite stating that you can receive a £2,500 fine, 3 months’ imprisonment, or a driving ban if you’re caught driving a vehicle whilst unfit due to alcohol, or above the legal limit.
Information from the Met Police advises that the legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. For Scotland this drops to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
As the festive season gets into full swing, it’s essential for individuals to recognise the potential dangers of driving under the influence and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of themselves, and others when on the roads.
As such, Honcho offer the following tips for drivers to ensure they keep themselves – and everyone else – safe this Christmas:
- Arrange alternative transport
If you are taking a trip over Christmas, no matter how short or far, and know you will be consuming alcohol, always arrange alternative transport.
This could be with a friend, or family member.
- Never get into a car with a driver that has been drinking
Getting into a car with a driver who has consumed alcohol can be dangerous, they may say they are fine, but it’s never worth the risk.
- Help each other
If you see someone clearly intoxicated trying to drive, step in and offer help.
You may not be directly at risk yourself here, but stopping a potential drink driving incident is so important and can save lives. Safe driving is key, and not just at Christmas.
- Use an alcohol calculator to determine your ‘safe’ zone
If you have had a drink, and are unsure on whether you are safe to drive, consider using an alcohol calculator, such as this one from The Morning After. By inputting your drinks, it will help you determine when it’s safe for you to hit the road again.
- Book a taxi
Ordering a taxi is an easy way to get from A to B and there are many different providers to choose from depending on your area.
You can even prebook a taxi in advance on busier days such as Christmas Day.
