Distracted designated drivers

4 min read
  • A third (35 per cent) of designated drivers have experienced drunk passengers being rowdy or disruptive in the car
  • The DVLA recorded 85 deaths and over 4,000 injuries where 'distraction in vehicle' was a contributing factor to the collision
  • Direct Line motor insurance urges drivers and passengers to plan ahead this New Year, respect designated drivers, and enjoy the festivities without compromising safety

Direct Line motor insurance1 reveals over 7.5 million UK drivers have experienced problems with drunk passengers being rowdy or disruptive in their car. Data2 from the DVLA reveals that there were 85 deaths and 4,103 injuries where 'distraction in vehicle' was recorded as a contributory factor to the collision. Drivers are therefore being urged to be extra careful when driving home inebriated passengers following New Year celebrations.

Research reveals that two fifths (40 per cent) of designated drivers abstain from alcohol completely when driving friends and family. A third (34 per cent) of designated drivers don’t mind not drinking, a quarter (24 per cent) believe they are ensuring the safety of loved ones by driving, while others cite avoiding hangovers (15 per cent), saving money (15 per cent), and feeling a sense of responsibility (12 per cent) for volunteering to play taxi driver.  

On average, drivers offer to be designated drivers 10 times a year, showing a commitment to safer travel. It also helps the one in eight (13 per cent) revellers that rely on friends or family, who volunteer to drive, to get them home safely. 

Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance said: “New Year is an incredibly busy time as millions head out to socialise, so it can be hard to secure taxis or private hire cars to get home. People should always plan ahead, and a designated driver who doesn’t drink can help ensure everyone gets home safely. Drunk passengers can be extremely distracting, so it is important designated drivers keep their concentration and ask passengers to respect the valuable service they are providing and act appropriately.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.      The research was conducted by Opinium, among a sample of 2000 UK Adults (Aged 16+). The data was collected between 22 November 2024 - 26 November 2024.

2.      Department for Transport: Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2022

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07808 727280

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 general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.