Boom in alcohol-free drinks means drink-driving now ‘inexcusable’

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Tue, 30 Jul 2024

The vast majority of motorists believe the rapid growth in the range and quality of alcohol-free drinks now available has made drink-driving ‘inexcusable’.

In a huge survey of almost 14,000 drivers, the AA found that 83% believe there is now no excuse for drink-driving. Indeed, the survey also found that almost 1 in 2 have tried an alcohol-free drink – with options now including lager, craft ale, stout, gin, rum and wine.

Pubs and restaurants are offering an ever-growing range of alcohol-free drinks, meaning designated drivers don’t have to stick to endless dull glasses of cola or orange juice.

Younger drivers are particularly keen on zero-alcohol drinks, with a third saying they will take a selection with them when chosen to be the designated driver visiting family and friends.

A further third say they now stock alcohol-free drinks at home – and a quarter reporting their visitors are eagerly choosing them over other options containing alcohol.

The latest safety stats illustrate why this is a welcome trend, with 1 in 10 deaths on UK roads in 2022 caused when the driver or rider were impaired by alcohol.

The AA adds that a further 6400 people suffered injuries on the roads caused by a motorist impaired by alcohol.

With summer in full swing, AA president Edmund King is calling for people to now "raise a glass to the designated driver, especially with the boom in zero alcohol beverages available."

"For some drivers, drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel is far too easy… the allure of the pub garden will be incredibly tempting. Sadly, the road safety stats show that this action can have tragic and catastrophic consequences. Drivers are right that doing so is simply ‘inexcusable’.

"Our mantra has always been ‘if you’re going to drink, don’t drive and if you’re going to drive, don’t drink’."

Ask HJ

What are the insurance implications of switching off driver safety systems?

I have just test driven a new car and was driven to distraction by all the new driver safety warnings/aids as I drove (safely) along. The lane keeping option was particularly frustrating and tried to stop me placing the car where I wanted to be - particularly when overtaking cyclists. The sales person stopped the car and disabled them all in one of the menus and the car then behaved. I was told this switch off procedure has to be done each time the car was started and couldn’t be added to the driver profile. My question is what is the insurance ramifications of doing this - if I disable everything will I still have my full insurance cover?

The majority of safety systems installed on new vehicles are mandated by European law, and many of them have the facility to be overridden by the driver or disabled on a temporary basis. Whether disabling these systems could invalidate your insurance would depend on the individual insurer, so we would suggest reading the terms and conditions of your policy in detail.

Answered by David Ross

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