UK Adults Willing to Drink and Drive to Cut Costs on a Night Out

Over a million motorists would drink and drive to save on taxi fares. Young motorists more likely to risk drink driving.

The willingness of people to risk drinking and driving to save on taxi fares is a frightening prospect

It's worrying to see the number of people who would drink and drive because they feel saving a few pounds outweighs the risk to themselves and others. There is no excuse for drink driving, as a few hours of fun and a saved taxi fare could result in a lifetime of misery.

London, UK (PRWeb UK/PRWEB ) May 6, 2009 -- Research* from Direct Line Car Insurance has revealed over 1.3 million** motorists are willing to risk drinking and driving on a night out to save on the taxi fare home.

The research reveals that attitudes to drink driving differed between the age groups. Motorists aged 18 - 34 years old, who tend to fill their car with friends, are the most likely to drink and drive to save money, with eight per cent willing to risk the lives of other road users, their passengers and themselves. This compares to just three per cent of 35 - 54 year olds and just one per cent of over 55s.

"The willingness of people to risk drinking and driving to save on taxi fares is a frightening prospect" said Maggie Game, Head of Direct Line Car Insurance: "It's worrying to see the number of people who would drink and drive because they feel saving a few pounds outweighs the risk to themselves and others. There is no excuse for drink driving, as a few hours of fun and a saved taxi fare could result in a lifetime of misery."

The research also found that people are changing their social habits in other ways to save money. Over one in eight (13 per cent) choose to drive to their favourite venue and refrain from drinking. Ten per cent now look for cheaper pubs or special offers and eight per cent only drink rather than have a meal. For 23 per cent who do wish to drink, choosing a place closer to home that doesn't require an expensive taxi ride is a preferred option.

For further information please contact:
Simon Henrick
Press Office
Direct Line for Business

020 8313 5965
07833 166717

Notes to editors

*Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,359 British adults on behalf of Direct Line from Thursday 5th February and Monday 9th February 2009 .

**Based on 33.7 million motorists. This figure is publicly available on the DFT website: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/tsgb/2007edition/sectionninevehicles.pdf

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 is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com
Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk

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