Aviva reveals motorists’ drink and drug vices

by Gill Montia

Story link: Aviva reveals motorists’ drink and drug vices

New research from Aviva suggests that one in four 17 to 24-year-olds have been in a car when they believed the driver was under the influence of drugs.

The group’s 2009 RAC Report on Motoring also reveals that 10% of young drivers questioned had driven while under the influence of drugs, while 5% admitted to sending frequent text messages when at the wheel.

However, the research also shows that younger drivers are less likely to drink-drive than their older counterparts.

Of the 45 to 64-year-olds questioned, 32% admitted to driving while potentially over the drink-drive limit, compared to 24% of 17 to 24-year-olds.

RAC motoring strategist, Adrian Tink, comments: “This year’s report clearly shows a generational divide among motorists as regards their vices.”

He adds: “Younger drivers have many good habits that bode well for the future of motoring, but their attitude towards drug-driving is worrying, particularly as the number of fatal accidents involving drugs has increased by 28% in recent years.”

To tackle the twin issues of drug and drink driving, the RAC is calling for greater education on the effects of drug-driving (including prescription drugs) and the introduction of roadside testing equipment to aid law enforcement.

On drink-driving the motoring organisation wants to see a reduction in the drink-drive limit to 50mg accompanied by random breath-testing and increased education that emphasises the dangers of “morning after motoring”.