Drunk passengers putting 'designated drivers at risk'

• A quarter (23 per cent) of drivers opt not to drink so they can drive their friends and family home safely
• Over a third (35 per cent) of designated drivers have had problems with drunk passengers being rowdy or disruptive in the car
• As a result, one in five (21 per cent) designated drivers have had a collision or a near miss
• Over a third (37 per cent) of designated drivers report being pressured to drink by their peers

Research from Direct Line motor insurance¹ reveals that despite a quarter (23 per cent) of drivers typically choosing to not drink at social events, so they can drive their friends and family home safely, more than a third (35 per cent) say they have had problems with drunk passengers being rowdy or disruptive in the car in the last 12 months.

Disorderly passengers can be dangerous. Disorderly passengers can be dangerous. One in five of these designated drivers said the disruption either caused a collision (11 per cent) or nearly caused a collision (10 per cent). 

The research suggests that whilst motorists are stepping up to the plate as designated drivers, to ensure the safety of their loved ones, drunk passengers distracting these drivers may be undermining these positive measures.

Similarly, peer pressure to drink might be putting people at risk, with over a third (37 per cent) of those who have been a designated driver in the past saying they had experienced pressure from their friends, family or colleagues to drink despite volunteering to drive them home.

This comes as the most recent DVLA data² shows that 12 collisions per day (4,620) happened because of drink driving and as a consequence there were 6,800 casualties within the year. The figure for driver distraction caused because of drunk and disorderly passengers is likely to bring this count significantly higher.

Matt Pernet, Head of Motor Insurance at Direct Line, said: “Choosing a designated driver or alternative transport is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to ensure everyone gets home safely. Whether a passenger in a private vehicle or in a taxi, it is on all of us to make sure those drivers aren’t at risk of being distracted on the road.

“We urge everyone planning social events this bank holiday to plan their journey and consider the safest route home. Safe roads are everyone’s responsibility, not just the person driving.”

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

1.      The research was conducted by Opinium, among a sample of 2000 UK Adults (Aged 16+). The data was collected between 22 November 2024 - 26 November 2024.

2.      Reported road casualties in Great Britain involving illegal alcohol levels: 2022 - GOV.UK

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07808 727280

Direct Line

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