Women still more likely to drink drive

Published: 12 November 2014
By Chris Haycock

It's fifty years since the very first public information film was broadcast in the UK, yet research from The AA (Automobile Association) shows that the decline in women failing alcohol breath tests has reduced far less than with men. There was a 17.6% drop in male drivers failing a breath test following an accident between 2010 and 2013, compared to a 5.9% reduction for women during the same period*. Interestingly, there was an increase in women drivers in the 60 to 69 year old age group, doubling from 0.4% in 2012 to 0.8% in the following year. The AA produced the findings for the 50th anniversary of the first public information film shown on TV regarding the perils of driving under the influence of alcohol. Commenting on the findings, the president of the AA, Edmund King said, While women have a better track record on drink driving than men, it is important to shine a spotlight on the fact their improvement rate has stalled in recent years, and in some age groups, regressed. Part of this may be down to the fact women are more likely to be the designated drivers, but whatever the reason there is no excuse for drink driving. 50 years of education has had a fantastic impact on changing the public's perception of drink driving, but there is more to do. Analysis of drink drive offenders indicates that specific groups, in terms of age and gender, need targeting in different ways. But ultimately the message is simple; if you are going to drink, don't drive and if you are going to drive, don't drink." The new thought-provoking drink drive campaign is available to view online here: More information about the findings are available on the AA website. *Reported Road Casualties Great Britain table RAS51015 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010