Experts issue motorist warning ahead of Englands early hours clash in Mexico
If England reach the World Cup Final it could see Brits drink an extra 55 million pints[1], but new research suggests many drivers underestimate the risks the following morning.
More than one in four (27%) UK drivers admit they’ve driven the morning after drinking without knowing whether they’re still over the legal alcohol limit, according to new research by short-term car insurance provider Dayinsure.
The nationwide study of 2,000 UK drivers comes as the FIFA World Cup is in full swing and warns that major sporting tournaments can encourage risky behaviours that continue long after the final whistle.
Supporting the findings, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests reveal several UK police forces recording sharp rises in uninsured driving offences during previous FIFA World Cups.
During the 2022 Fifa World Cup:
Gwent Police recorded a 213% increase in uninsured driving offences
Lincolnshire recorded a 100% increase
Derbyshire recorded a 75% increase
Cumbria recorded a 47% increase
While the offences are not directly linked to alcohol, they suggest major football tournaments coincide with changes in driver behaviour as one in three men (33%) admit they have driven the morning after drinking without checking if they are over the legal alcohol limit, compared to just one in five women (20%).
The research also found almost three in five (57%) believe major sporting events make people more likely to drive tired or distracted the following day after staying up late to watch matches, while one in five (21%) admit to checking sports scores, texts or notifications while behind the wheel.
Drivers who admit to driving the morning after drinking without knowing if they were still over the legal limit
Region
% of Drivers
London
31%
North West
29%
East Midlands
29%
Eastern England
28%
Yorkshire & The Humber
27%
National Average
27%
Wales
26%
West Midlands
25%
North East
24%
South West
23%
South East
22%
Scotland
21%
Chris Bibby, CEO of Dayinsure, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions around drink driving is assuming you’re automatically safe to drive after a night’s sleep. Alcohol can still be in your system the following morning, particularly after a late kick-off or celebrations that continue into the night.
“Major football tournaments bring millions of people together to celebrate, but it’s important that those celebrations don’t lead to risky decisions behind the wheel the next day.”
“Whether it’s driving the morning after drinking, getting behind the wheel while tired after a late match, or assuming you’re insured to drive someone else’s vehicle, these are all mistakes that can have serious consequences that could leave motorists facing fines, invalid insurance and even prosecution.”
“If you’ve been drinking the night before, don’t guess whether you’re under the limit the next morning. If there’s any doubt, don’t drive.”
