- 37 million adults in England are set to watch the EUROS quarter final on Saturday
- Two thirds (64 per cent) expect to consume multiple units of alcohol
- A fifth (19 per cent) of drivers watching the game plan to drive home afterwards
- One in five drivers have had to slam on the brakes to avoid a drunk pedestrian
- 16 per cent of pedestrians have been injured by a vehicle as a result of being intoxicated
Direct Line Motor Insurance is urging drivers and pedestrians in England to take extra care as 37 million adults plan to watch the EUROS quarter final against Switzerland on Saturday evening, with two thirds of them (64 per cent) expecting to consume alcohol during the game¹.
The warning comes as data from the DVLA² shows that there were 7,304 incidents – including 191 fatalities – caused by drivers, riders and pedestrians impaired by alcohol in 2022.
Motorists in built up areas should take extra care when driving on Saturday night, as 4.7 million football fans are set to take to England’s pubs, bars and fan zones to cheer on Southgate's squad. Worryingly, 18 per cent of adults with a full UK driving license say that they’ve had to abruptly stop their vehicle in the road due to an intoxicated pedestrian, while 16 per cent have had to swerve to avoid an intoxicated pedestrian in the road.
Table One: Top five experiences of English drivers with a full UK driving license who have encountered drunk pedestrians
| Experience with drunk pedestrians | Percentage of English adults |
| Felt intimidated in a vehicle when driving past intoxicated pedestrians | 18 per cent |
| Had to abruptly stop a vehicle in the road due to an intoxicated pedestrian | 18 per cent |
| Had to swerve to avoid an intoxicated pedestrian in the road | 16 per cent |
| Had to turn around and reroute due to there being multiple intoxicated pedestrians in the road (e.g. spilling out of a pub/bar, walking in the road) | 9 per cent |
| Had food or drink thrown over a vehicle by an intoxicated pedestrian | 9 per cent |
Source: Direct Line
Almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents said they have fallen in the road as a result of being intoxicated, with a further 16 per cent injured by a vehicle. One in five (20 per cent) have had an argument with a motorist due to being drunk.
At the same time, those drinking this Saturday are urged not to get behind the wheel once the final whistle has blown. Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of drivers watching the match say they plan to drive home afterwards, but at the same time, nearly two thirds (64 per cent) say they are intending to have a drink – 24 million people. Those drinking say they are planning to consume an average of 3.7 units during the game, which could push them over the drink driving limit if they are planning to drive.
Matt Pernet, Head of Motor Insurance at Direct Line comments: “Whilst we’re hoping there will be cause to celebrate at full time on Saturday, there will be a vast number of fans on the streets following the match. For those driving, we urge them to take extra caution and keep an eye out for crowds of potentially intoxicated fans on the roads.
“Those watching the match outside of their homes should plan their route home ahead of time and not get behind the wheel if they think they might be over the limit.”
- ENDS -
Notes to editors
1. Research conducted by Censuswide Research on behalf of Direct Line Insurance with a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults between 3rd-4th July 2024.
2. DVLA – RAS0701: Reported road collisions and casualties by severity, contributory factors and road user type, Great Britain, 10 years up to 2022
Direct Line Group
Chelsey Wheeler
Deputy Head of News and Issues
Email: chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk
FleishmanHillard
directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com
07734438211
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting
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