Drink driving convictions - motorists will pay the price
Convicted drink drivers could see the cost of their motor insurance premiums rise by as much as 75 per cent on average, according to moneysupermarket.com. Worse still, some may find they have difficulty obtaining insurance in the future.
A drink driving conviction (DR10 penalty) on a motorist's licence can have dramatic affects on their insurance options. Research carried out by moneysupermarket.com reveals some insurers will provide cover after a conviction; however drivers should expect a huge hike to their premiums. Motorists could see prices increase from an average of £450 per year to £788 per year - a whopping 75 per cent (£336) increase.
According to the Department for Transport, six per cent of road casualties and 14 per cent of road deaths occurred through accidents in which a driver was over the limit. Additionally, on average, 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions.
Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "With the Christmas party season in full swing, we are all guilty of letting our hair down with a drink or two to get us into the festive spirit, but if you are planning on indulging in some Christmas tipples, it is essential to have adequate travel arrangements to get you home. Driving while under the influence of alcohol should not be a consideration full stop, and those who do so will have serious consequences to face. You not only risk your own safety, but that of others around you, such as pedestrians and other road users.
"Any convicted motorist will see their insurance premiums rocket, and in addition, they are also likely to find themselves with the difficult task of trying to find a provider who is prepared to insure them with a drink driving conviction. A conviction could also lead to a £1,000 fine, a 12-month driving ban, and even a possible prison sentence. It is simply not worth taking the risk - the results of doing so can be costly and very damaging.
"Even drinking under the legal limit is playing with fire. Motorists need to be aware of the affects drinking alcohol has on your body; reaction times can be considerably slower, and coordination and judgement can become impaired. It is also important to remember that each person reacts to alcohol consumption differently - gender, age, weight, and metabolism are also factors which come into play. My advice to anyone planning on driving over the festive period is to stick to the soft drinks."