COUNTY NEWS: Young drivers quizzed about drinking

Young drivers have a cautious attitude to drink driving, despite being unclear on some of the facts.
2015 Mercedes-AMG C 63 EMN-150110-1502220012015 Mercedes-AMG C 63 EMN-150110-150222001
2015 Mercedes-AMG C 63 EMN-150110-150222001

This is according to new research from Marmalade, a leading provider of cars and insurance for young drivers.

The research questioned drivers between 17 and 24 about their knowledge of drink driving limits.

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Nearly half of young drivers (48 per cent) think that England should adopt a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. Slightly fewer respondents (43 per cent) said it should stay as it is. Only 2 per cent of those questioned believe that the limit should be removed altogether.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of young drivers admitted to not knowing the legal limit of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 40 per cent opted for the lowest option provided (25mg) and just 14 per cent correctly stated 80mg.

Nearly all young drivers questioned think it is acceptable to drink either one or two units before driving, almost an equal split at 45 per cent for one and 42 per cent citing two.

The survey revealed a good understanding of how many units are present in pub servings, with 29 per cent of respondents rightly stating that a 250ml glass of 12 per cent wine contained three units. A further 40 per cent said just two units and 21 per cent said four units or above. Almost half (49 per cent) of those questioned correctly stated that a pint of 4 per cent lager contained two units, 16 per cent said one and 19% said three units. Less than 1 per cent of people assumed that a pint had more than five units.

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Respondents were also asked how long they thought it took for a unit of alcohol to leave someone’s body. The majority (40 per cent) cited between 60 and 90 minutes, 30 per cent more than 120 minutes, 16 per cent said between 30 and 6o minutes and just 15 per cent said up to 30 minutes.

Many were aware of the factors that could affect how quickly a body processes alcohol, with 77 per cent citing body weight, 67 per cent metabolism and time of eating, 42 per cent gender, 40 per cent a person’s age and 24 per cent stress levels.

Just 9 per cent of respondents said that none of the above had an impact on a body’s ability to process alcohol.

Crispin Moger, CEO of Marmalade, said: “There is a lack of knowledge when it comes to the specific details of drink driving limits amongst young drivers, but with so many variables playing a factor this is perhaps unsurprising.

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“What is heartening to see is that many young people err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking when driving. In our experience, young people have a responsible attitude towards alcohol and driving, and in many cases could teach their parents a thing or two.”

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