Drivers Warned This Christmas as Survey Shows Worrying Drink Drive Confusion

Published On: 3 December 2025Last Updated: 3 December 2025By CornishStuff

Two in Five Motorists Overestimate the Legal Limit

A new study from Leasing Options has revealed that almost two in five drivers across the UK are misjudging how much alcohol they can legally drink before driving. The study found that 37 percent of those surveyed overestimated the drink driving limits, raising concerns as the festive season gets underway.

The warning comes at a time when searches for penalty for drink driving have risen by 5000 percent in the past 30 days, according to Google Search Trends. Drink driving remains a major factor in fatal collisions, contributing to 17 percent of all road deaths in the UK.

Government Calls and Festive Risks

The findings follow recent calls from the government to lower the drink driving limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms. With Christmas parties and pub gatherings increasing through December, the message from Leasing Options is clear.

Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer of Leasing Options, is urging people to avoid drinking alcohol altogether if they plan to drive.

Confusion Over Limits

According to the survey, an average of 37 percent of respondents overestimated the drink driving limit of around three units for women and four units for men in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is roughly equal to two pints of regular strength lager or two small glasses of wine.

Mike Thompson said:
“As the colder weather creeps in and trips to cosy pubs or social calendars fill up ahead of the festive season, many drivers might consider having one or two drinks before driving. But its important to remember that even a small amount of alcohol can affect reaction times and driving ability, and this can be dangerous even on short journeys around the corner.

“Many people don’t realise that alcohol affects everyone differently. Factors such as height, gender, weight and even what you’ve eaten that day can all play a part in how your body processes alcohol. For safety, it’s wise to select an alcohol free or soft drink if you intend to drive and avoid drinking completely. With the rise of the sober movement, there are now plenty of great alcohol free beers widely available in local pubs, from alcohol free Guinness to craft beer options.

“It’s also important to remember that alcohol stays in the system for up to 12 hours, so if you’re planning to drive home the next morning after a social function, it’d be safer to arrange another mode of transport.

“Even slightly exceeding the limit puts others at risk, with drink driving collisions reaching 540 in 2024. Penalties and fines can reach up to £2,500, along with possible imprisonment and a minimum 12 month driving ban. We urge drivers to be cautious over the party season and think sensibly to protect themselves and others.”