Data reveals drink-driving offences in East Midlands and England over December and the Christmas period
The festive season tops the list for drink-driving offences, new research has revealed.
Data showed 3,443 motorists were caught drink-driving in the East Midlands last year, with 337 drivers caught for the offence in December according to a data obtained via a Freedom of Information Act.
Confused.com's study also revealed nearly half of the offences in 2018 (46%) took place the morning after a night out.
Figures also suggested two in five (42%) motorists had driven while knowing or thinking they were over the limit, with one in five (21%) taking the risk after a Christmas party.
Nationally, drink-driving offences over last year’s festive period increased by 16% compared to the previous year.
Overall December saw the highest number of drink-drivers in 2018, with a staggering 4,761 caught over the limit — equivalent to 154 per day, on average.
With almost 56,000 motorists caught drink-driving over the course of the year, this accounted for 8% of all offences.
Worryingly, the data shows drink-driving is becoming more common, as offences increased by 16% year-on-year.
Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: “With many of us enjoying celebrations with friends and family, we need to clue up on the drink-drive laws, as it’s clear so many people are taking the risk and driving after a drink.
"Sometimes even one drink is enough to push us over the limit.
“Surprisingly, the morning after seems to be a prime time for drink-drivers.
"But how long do we need to wait before we can drive? Working out units versus hours passed is confusing at the best of times, so we’ve released our morning after calculator to estimate when you should be safe to drive.
“Ultimately, jumping behind the wheel after a drink is putting yourself and other road users at risk. Not only this but it can land you with a fine or driving ban.
"If you’re drinking, don't drive. If you’re driving, don't drink.”
You can see the morning after calculator HERE.
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