According to figures published today, two thirds of UK motorists would be devastated if they lost their car.
The figures come alongside a new THINK! drink-drive campaign launched by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond to raise awareness of the consequences of a conviction. It will include radio adverts, a short online film and pub posters, all of which are designed warn drivers that penalties will be severe for getting behind the wheel while under the influence.
The figures, published from a survey commissioned by the AA and conducted by Populus, also show that:
- 16% of drivers rate having a car as the best thing in their lives
- 31% of motorists are at their happiest behind the wheel
- 32% say they rely on their car to maintain friendships
- 76% of 18 to 24 year olds would find it difficult to see friends without a car
Stephen Hammond had this to say: “Drink driving is a menace and drivers should be clear that if you get behind the wheel over the limit this summer, you will lose your licence, get a criminal record, and face a fine – you could even end up in jail.
“The findings of this poll are clear: drivers love their cars and a drink driving conviction would not only leave a massive hole in their pockets, it would leave a massive hole in their lives.
“Nobody wants to spend their summer in a prison cell so whether you are drinking in the pub or at a friend’s barbeque, make sure you do not drink and drive – it could have devastating consequences for you and for others.”
Alongside the £740,000 campaign, plans are being launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to increase the number of checks on motorists over the summer.
“Police take this offence very seriously and experience shows us that courts take a very dim view of anyone who is caught.
“It is appalling that in 2013 we still have to remind people not to drink or take drugs and drive. To combat this we will be stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June.
“For causing death whilst driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drivers could face 14 years imprisonment.
“These deaths are avoidable if drivers simply make the decision not to drink or take drugs and drive, or make alternative arrangements to get home from summer time events” said Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, ACPO lead for roads policing.
