ACCIDENTAL CRIMINALS: CONFUSED.COM REVEALS A NATION OF DRIVERS WHO DON’T KNOW THE DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT AS WE GEAR UP FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON.

A study by Confused.com has discovered 14 per cent of people will drink-drive this Christmas – with nearly a quarter of those admitting they don’t know how many units are in one drink and 22 per cent saying they don’t feel tipsy so it’s okay. 1 in 5 say they simply can’t be bothered to walk home. In addition to the devestating consequences drink driving can have, Confused.com has revealed that a convition adds up to 40% on a car insurance premium in the the first year and over five years could cost an extra £2,400 in premiums. Even a five year old DR10 conviction (Driving under the influence of Alcohol) can mean the policyholder pays £264 more than the average driver with a clean licence. As well as price, there is also a narrowing of choice as some providers will simply refuse to cover the risk of a drink driver. A shocking 71 per cent of the UK admit they don’t know what the drink drive limit is, with 9 per cent guessing you could legally have 3 – 5 drinks before reaching the maximum and 4 per cent saying it depends on what or how much you have eaten beforehand. In response to this Confused.com has developed an Alcohol Unit calculator to encourage awareness and moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption. The quick and easy calculator allows the user to select the drinks they would have on an average night and let the application work out how many units this equates to. It is available at www.confused.com/car-insurance/alcohol-units-calculator but is a rough guide only, and is NOT a substitute for common sense, none for the road being the best approach. Confused.com’s research also found that 18 – 24 year olds are the most likely to drink-drive. Men are more likely to drink drive than women, with 10 per cent of women admitting they do, compared to 18% of men. Women are more aware of how many units they are drinking with 10 per cent more men than women saying they don’t know how many units are in a drink. Will Thomas, head of motor at Confused.com says: “My advice is to not drink at all if driving. Without taking into account the devastating toll paid in terms of injury, death, a driving ban or prison time, a drink-driving offence can more than double a driver’s premium or prevent them from being able to obtain insurance at all. Will continues; "If the worst has already happened, and a person finds themselves with a conviction, then it's important they shop around to make sure they're getting the best deal on their car insurance. The hike will vary from insurer to insurer and they may find they're able to save money by comparing all the options available to them." *Research conducted by Onepoll – Dec 2010 – 2000 respondents For full results please contact the press office. -ENDS- For further information please contact: Press Office Confused.com 02920 434 398 pressoffice@confused.com Notes to editors Tables illustrate difference in premiums with a drink-driving conviction