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CHAPTER SEVEN: WHAT WOULD DETER PEOPLE FROM DRINKING AND DRIVING?
Risks and consequences
7.1 As described in Chapter 6, although drinking and driving appears to be more closely linked to circumstance than attitude, there are many factors that feed into an individual's decision to drive after drinking alcohol. A key issue of interest is the perception of potential risks associated with drink-driving and how these feed into the personal decision to drink and drive or not to drink and drive.
7.2 This chapter starts by exploring who does not drive after drinking and why. This is followed by consideration of safe, legal and zero limits. After discussing perceptions of risk, the chapter ends by illustrating knowledge and opinions of penalties and the personal effects of those penalties, both imagined and experienced.
Risk assessment
Who does not drive after drinking?
7.3 Less than half (43%) of survey respondents said that they had ever driven within a few hours of drinking. This leaves 57% of respondents who have never done so. As shown in Figure 7.1, females were more likely than males never to have driven after drinking (63% compared with 51%). Those in the youngest age group (17-29) were less likely to have ever driven after drinking (67%). This may reflect a shorter period of driving experience in which it would have been possible to drink and drive or may reflect the success of the anti-drink drive messages on this age group. Likelihood of ever having driven within a few hours of drinking alcohol also increased with social grade. Those in the DE group were least likely to ever have done so (71% had never driven after drinking alcohol), while those in the AB group were most likely to have done so (42% had never done so). There was little difference between those living in urban and rural areas.
Figure 7.1 All who have never driven within a few hours of drinking alcohol
Base: All respondents in each sub-group (see brackets)
7.4 Respondents who said that they had never driven within a few hours of drinking alcohol (but who had drunk alcohol in the past year) were asked what their reasons for this were. They were asked to choose from a list of reasons and could select as many as they wanted.
7.5 As shown in Figure 7.2, half of these respondents said that they did not ever drive after drinking as they did not think it was right that you are allowed to drink at all before driving. A further 39% said that they did not do so because it would be too much of a risk, 33% said that they would not feel safe to do so and 27% said that they would be worried that they were over the limit without realising it.
Figure 7.2 Reasons for never driving after drinking alcohol
Base: All who have never driven after drinking alcohol but who have drunk alcohol in the past year (425)
Personal 'Safe' limits
7.6 The research considered several issues around 'safe' limits both alone and in comparison to legal limits. Drivers were asked how many units they would consider to be a safe amount for them personally to drink prior to driving. They were shown a 'unit calculator' 14 which told them how many units were in different types of drinks and the interviewer was instructed to help any respondents who had difficulty undertaking the calculation.
Figure 7.3 Number of units considered to be a safe amount to drink before driving
Base: All respondents (1034)
7.7 The majority of the respondents (63%) said that it was not safe to drink any alcohol before driving. 11% thought that one unit was a safe amount, while 21% thought that 2 units was safe. Only 6% of the sample thought that more than 2 units would be a safe amount for them to drink before driving. This did not vary among different age-groups of respondents. Figure 7.4 shows the responses by gender.
Figure 7.4 Number of units considered to be a safe amount to drink before driving by gender
Base: All males (528) and all females (506)
7.8 Generally, men felt that larger amounts of alcohol would be safe for them to drink before driving than women did. Females were more likely than males to say that they would not drink anything (69% of females compared with 57% males). They were also more likely to say that one unit was a safe amount to drink (13% compared with 9%). Women were less likely to say that 2 units was a safe amount (9% compared with 27%) or that more than 2 units would be safe (3% compared with 7%). Figure 7.5 shows the results by social grade.
Figure 7.5 Number of units considered to be a safe amount to drink before driving by social grade
Base: All in each sub group (shown in brackets)
7.9 Reflecting the finding that prevalence of driving after a drink decreased with social grade, those in social group AB were least likely to say that they would not drink anything (50% of ABs, 61% of C1s, 68% of C2s, 74% of DEs) and most likely to say that one unit (14% of ABs, 12% of C1s, 9% of C2s, 7% of DEs) or 2 units of alcohol would be safe to drink (31% of ABs, 21% of C1s, 20% of C2s, 14% of DEs) before driving. There were no real differences in the proportion of each group saying that more than 2 units would be safe to drink before driving.
7.10 The differences in the perception of the safe limit were less pronounced by whether respondents lived in a rural or urban area. Those in urban areas were less likely to say that they would not drink anything alcoholic before driving (60% of urban compared with 68% of rural respondents) and more likely to say that 2 units (23% compared with 18%) was a safe limit. There were no real differences between the percentages saying that one unit or more than 2 units was a safe amount to drink.
7.11 Participants in the qualitative research (focus groups and depth interviews) spoke in more detail about their own personal limits and the issue of personal and safe limits more generally.
7.12 For the majority, 2 drinks was a level at which they were happy to drive and felt in control. Many spoke of their 'personal limit' or number of alcoholic drinks consumed before driving, with common practice being 2 pints of lager or beer, or 2 glasses of wine.
"I would stop at one Alcopop before I would drive. If I was driving, if it was wine, probably 2 glasses." (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
7.13 Some respondents indicated that they had based their understanding on what their peers or family members had told them, with no clear guidance from official sources.
"I would drive on 2 drinks… 2 pints… [That's] probably what I've been brought up on. My dad probably says that, a couple of pints will be alright… So the stage I would leave the car would be 3 pints." (Male, 17-20, B/C1, Rural)
"It seems to be a myth, and I don't know if it's a myth or not, but has it ever been released information that 2 pints is alright? Everybody seems to agree on it's a 2 pint thingy and I've got it in my head because everyone else says it." (Male, 17-20, B/C1, Rural)
7.14 However, they acknowledged that they stuck to the 2 drink rule, without always considering other circumstances that might alter the way those drinks might affect them.
"Just on how I feel. It just depends, you always feel different when you're out having a drink. Sometimes you can go out and have a few drinks and start to feel drunk because maybe you were out the night before or something so I don't really judge it, it's just 2 pints. But I never think about what I'm drinking or how strong it is or anything." (Male, 17-20, C1/C2, Urban)
7.15 The majority drank this amount because they felt physically in control, able to drive a car without impairment and understood it to be within the legal limits. On further consideration, there was some recognition in the groups that by drinking 2 alcoholic drinks an individual could be bordering on or slightly over, the legal limit. This tendency for some to err on the side of risk (rather than on the side of caution) was demonstrated in the focus groups and the individual interviews.
"I'll take 2 pints and I'll drive the car home every single time because I've got 2 pints in my mind that I'll still be legal. Whether I feel I shouldn't have had that pint or not, I'll still drive the car home with the 2 pints because I know that I am ok or I assume… That's it, you've got no way of telling, that's the thing." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
7.16 In the depth interviews, where the participants were selected based on the admission that they had driven when over the legal limit in the past, the respondents were more inclined to admit to being slightly over.
"That's the limit that I've set myself and I just…There is no way, after more than… after 2 of those little bottles of wine, I just wouldn't have another one and then drive. I just wouldn't do it because I know that that would be over the limit. I know that I would be over the limit, definitely, most definitely. But the 2 I think I might be okay. I think… if I was to weigh it up I would say 60:40. 60 saying that maybe I'm over." ( OTL female, 35-49, B, Rural)
"I know I'm borderline on a lot of occasions and I should watch what I'm doing but you get blasé about things. But I think if I got stopped, sometimes I would be in trouble, not a lot over the limit but I would be over the limit." ( OTL male, 50+, C1, Urban)
7.17 As a result, other respondents argued that they judged the effect of alcohol by 'how they felt' rather than by the amount they had consumed.
"It's hard to gauge as well because you could feel okay after the first pint and then by the time you finish your second pint you might say oh, wait a minute, I shouldn't have had that second pint. But you have and ninety nine times out of a hundred you'll be okay with it, but there might just be that one time where you think I shouldn't have had that second pint and it's too late by that time. You've had it." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
Understanding of factors that influence safe limits
7.18 Respondents were aware that the safe limit for a person to drink prior to driving 15 was influenced by a variety of factors, including an individual's size and weight, whether they had had a drink with food or a meal, their experience as a drinker and tolerance to alcohol, and the period over which alcohol was consumed.
"Like if somebody has 3 pints they wouldn't be as steaming as another person that's had 3 pints. So that person could maybe think it's alright to drive with 3 pints, that person maybe thinks it's alright to drive with six pints because he's a heavyweight." (Male, 17-20, BC1, Rural)
"I could drink 2 glasses of wine throughout a meal and not feel as tipsy as if I'd had 2 glasses of wine and nothing." (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
7.19 However, it was recognised that some drivers could use these many factors as an excuse not to restrict their alcohol intake.
Understanding of legal limits
7.20 There was widespread uncertainty in the groups and depth interviews regarding the amount of alcohol legally allowed. Participants spoke of their own 'safe limits' rather than the legal limit, claiming that the legal limits were unclear and confusing to measure practically.
"I think it's one of the areas where no one really knows when they're over or below the limit and I think the whole perception of the thresholds is very, very difficult to understand where exactly you stand... It's the whole uncertainty of what you can take or not." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban).
7.21 For many, confusion lay in the number of drinks legally allowed and how this measurement translated into alcoholic units and milligrams. There was general uncertainty regarding how the legal limit was both defined and measured.
"It doesn't say on your glass this is one unit, it says 175ml, but what is a unit? What does it measure?" (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
"I think 2 pints is about the limit… or is that 4 units? I'm not sure." (Male, 17-20, C1/C2, Urban)
7.22 There was agreement that the many factors relating to alcohol use and absorption made it difficult to estimate consumption within legal limits. The lack of any government guidance or guidelines was a common complaint in the focus groups, with many requesting information at point of sale, such as pubs and off licences.
"Is it true that when you have food then it does dampen the effects of alcohol in some way or is that a myth that we'd like to believe in ourselves, when we actually have food and drink?" (Male, 25-34, B/C1, Urban)
"It's like we're getting mixed messages from the government in terms of the law because I've never gone into a pub and seen it on a sign saying you're allowed to have this much alcohol." (Female, 25-34, B/C1, Urban)
7.23 One more cynical, or perhaps more realistic, participant stated that drivers do not want to understand the legal limit, in order to give themselves greater leeway when consuming alcoholic drinks.
"To be honest I don't think they want to understand, they're kidding themselves on. They don't want to think they're breaking the law, they don't want to think that they're doing something that's socially unjustifiable…That's how they want it to be. They don't want to accept the reality, they just want to muddy the waters." ( OTL male, 50+, C1, Urban)
7.24 However, the majority of the sample was convinced that their drinking behaviour was generally measured and controlled, and rarely resulted in them being well over the legal limit.
Opinions of a zero limit
7.25 Opinions regarding a zero limit for alcohol consumption when driving were mixed. In the depth interviews, some respondents argued it would be better if there were a zero limit, as it would mean the removal of choice from the individual.
"I would like that yes, because then I wouldn't have a choice. It would be clear cut. I know if I'm going out and I'm taking the car… there would be no confusion. It's you can't have a drink and then drive." ( OTL male , 50+, C1, Urban)
7.26 Others argued a zero limit was impractical because some foods contain alcohol and due to difficulties measuring alcohol levels the morning after a drinking session.
"If you have a meal and say you have a sherry trifle and the limit is zero and you are breathalysed or you have a steak done in red wine… If you had that and the limit is zero and you're on your way home from a meal then you'll be over the limit and be convicted, so a zero limit in my mind isn't practical." (Disqualified male, 35-49, C1, Urban)
"[Zero limit] wouldn't bother me… I just wouldn't have a drink at all… The only thing that would bother me then would be if I was out the night before. If I'd been, say I'd been at a party or something till 2 in the morning and I had to drive somewhere at 7 or 8 o'clock in the morning, I'd be saying to myself, gosh will I be alright or will I not? And then how would I know?" ( OTL female, 35-49, B, Rural)
What are the perceived risks?
7.27 In the groups and interviews, there was little evidence of any real risk assessment taking place at the point of driving since their behaviour was seen as holding no real risk.
"I do that a lot, just jump in the motor, have a couple of drinks and then maybe even a third one. You know you're over the limit but think, no, I'll be alright." (Male, 17-20, C1/C2, Urban)
7.28 Most respondents felt that when they did drink and drive, they were rarely over the limit or, if they were, it was marginal and, therefore, would not impede their driving ability. Many stated that, even after drinking alcohol, they always felt in control and drove sensibly, leaving very little likelihood of anything untoward happening.
"You think you're fine, but I wouldn't put the key in the ignition if I thought for a minute that I couldn't drive safely." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
What are the most/ least important risks?
7.29 In the qualitative research, when asked to list spontaneously what risks were involved with drink-driving, respondents highlighted themes such as: causing an accident, killing somebody, getting caught and charged by the police, damaging one's vehicle, the social stigma of being branded a drink-driver and the effect on employment.
7.30 On the rational level, killing somebody was seen by most as the major concern and, therefore, the worst risk of all the outcomes. Killing someone else, particularly a child, was thought to be the worst case scenario and an unforgivable act if caused through drink-driving.
"Well, killing someone; that's just horrendous to do something like that for drinking. You would never live with yourself if you'd known that it was down to the fact that you had been reckless and careless and taken too much drink and somebody had been killed." ( OTL female, 35-49, B, Rural)
"If I caused an accident where somebody else was hurt seriously or a kid was killed or something, that's my biggest fear." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
7.31 However, in reality, respondents conceded that killing someone was not really considered at the time of driving. This was because respondents believed that they were in control and always drove carefully, so would be unlikely to be involved in an accident.
"Once you've had the drink, you're only thinking of yourself, you're not thinking about knocking anybody else down." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
"It wouldn't come into your head straight away. Four pints later you would be like, hopefully nobody runs out in front of me tonight because my reaction times are slow. You think to yourself, hopefully the police aren't kicking about and breathalyse me really….You would like to say other people's lives but you probably wouldn't, probably just say getting caught is the main concern." (Male, 17-20, B/C1, Rural)
7.32 The risk of killing someone or causing an accident was strongly linked to the social unacceptability of drinking and driving, but was not found to influence driver behaviour or decision-making at the point of driving. For the majority of drivers in the sample, the risk that held more fear for them, if it did occur, was getting caught drink-driving by the police, although as has been seen, this risk was also considered to be relatively low.
Likelihood of getting caught
7.33 Respondents in the qualitative research, who all drive after drinking (though not necessarily when over the limit), generally did not believe they would be caught drink-driving, regardless of borderline consumption and, because of this, the consequences of being caught were not of immediate concern. In the survey all drivers were asked their opinion about the chances of being stopped by the police (section 6.3) which enables an assessment of how prevalent that view was among all drivers. The results show that one in 4 drivers agree that being stopped by the police when over the limit is unlikely. This opinion was a little more common among men than women.
7.34 Focus group participants were asked why they felt drink-driving was a low risk activity. The low perceived risk was due to a number of factors. The majority cited the low level police presence on the roads. In addition, the majority of drivers said that they had never been stopped by the police during their driving career, and those that had, had never been breathalysed.
"I've never been breathalysed…The only time I've ever seen people being breathalysed is on television." (Female, 25-34, B/C1, Urban)
"If you've been driving about 2 years and you haven't been stopped once you just think to yourself, I'm no going to get stopped so I'll have 3 or 4 pints." (Male, 17-20, B/C1, Rural)
"[You] still drove because you thought you'd get away with it. Well I did. Well each time you did it you got away with it, so you thought you'd get away with it the next time." (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
7.35 This, coupled with the perception that other drivers regularly drink and drive well over the limit without any obvious consequences, lead occasionally to the conclusion it is acceptable to have a drink and then drive.
"I suppose I am breaking the law but it doesn't feel that way, just because its just so common now for people to have a drink… within reason" ( OTL female, 25-49, B, Rural)
7.36 There was a rationalisation that a driver might be more likely to be caught if driving at times where there was a stronger police presence, such as during Christmas and New Year. Due to this, some respondents indicated that they would modify their drink-driving behaviour at this time, in order to reduce the risk of getting caught.
"…round about Christmas I would maybe think twice, just because I know that the police are on the roads and they've got a campaign on the go. But any other time I would probably drink my 2 pints, even [if] some nights I'm feeling it's having more of an effect, I would still have my 2 pints." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban).
7.37 However, in the main, the perception was that if driving carefully and sensibly, even during these peak periods, there would be no reason for the police to stop them.
7.38 The majority believed that the police had always routinely breathalysed all moving traffic offenders, and few were aware that recent recommendations have been made for the police always to exercise this power routinely. This means their assessment of the risk of being caught drink-driving was already based on the idea they could be stopped for a moving traffic offence; still they did not believe there was much of a risk of being caught. It is unclear, but possibly unlikely, that introduction of this legislation will lead to an increase in the perception that the risk of being caught and breathalysed is high.
7.39 Many people's view was that, as long as they were careful to avoid accidents and that their car was in good working order, the police would be unlikely to stop and breathalyse them.
"I know the police aren't going to stop me unless I get into that situation (an accident) or maybe if my tail light's not working or they've got a reason to stop me because that's the law, they can't stop you for nothing." ( OTL male 50+, C1, Urban)
Penalties
Knowledge of penalties incurred after a conviction for drink-driving
7.40 Despite the fact that many drivers think they are unlikely to be caught if driving over the limit, it was important to explore drivers' awareness of the penalties and consequences of that event. Respondents to the survey were asked what they thought the penalties were if a person was caught driving when they were over the drink-driving limit. These answers were unprompted, though interviewers were instructed to probe further by saying 'Anything else?' Respondents could give as many answers as they wished.
7.41 Figure 7.6 shows the responses given to this question. We have shown responses given by very low percentages of the sample to illustrate the lack of knowledge about certain consequences.
Figure 7.6 Penalties believed to be applied for drink-driving
Base: All respondents (1034)
7.42 Overall, 77% of respondents mentioned being disqualified for any period of time, with 54% saying that a person would lose their licence for a year, 20% saying that a person would lose their licence for more than a year and 13% that a person would lose their licence for less than a year.
7.43 Respondents also commonly mentioned that a person would be fined (54%). 35% of respondents incorrectly said that the penalties would include having points put on their licence. Only 6% mentioned that the penalties would include a criminal record and 5% mentioned that a conviction would be put on the person's driving licence.
7.44 There were some differences by demographic group. The oldest age group (those aged 60 and over) were least likely to mention that drink-driving would result in loss of licence for any period (mentioned by 70% of this age group compared to 85% of 17 to 29 year-olds and 79% of 30 to 59 year-olds). Those aged 17 to 29 were most aware that drink-driving would result in a criminal record. This was mentioned by 16% of this age group compared with 7% of those aged 30 to 44, 3% of those aged 45 to 59 and 4% of those aged 60 and over. The youngest age group was also most likely to mention that being caught for drink-driving would result in a conviction on one's driving licence (9% of 17 to 29 year-olds, 7% of 30 to 44 year-olds, 3% of 45 to 59 year olds and 4% of those aged 60 and over). There was no difference by age group in mentioning receiving a fine.
7.45 Women were less likely than men to mention being disqualified for any period of time (70% of women compared with 84% of men) and much more likely to say that points would be put on one's licence (43% of women compared with 27% of men).
7.46 There was very little difference by social grade, though ABs were more likely than other groups to mention that drink-driving could result in a prison sentence (18% of ABs, 11% C1s, 9% C2DEs). There was no difference according to where a person lived (urban or rural area).
7.47 As mentioned in Chapter 6, survey respondents were presented with 3 different scenarios ( see Annex A) in which a person had been stopped by the police and found to be over the limit and asked a series of questions about these scenarios. In each one, respondents were told that the person involved lost their licence for one year. The scenarios were presented in a randomised order as we expected that respondents would 'learn' that this was the consequence as they answered the questions for each scenario in turn.
7.48 As described in Chapter 6, the scenarios were chosen to represent different stereotypes of the drink-driver. To recap: Scenario one concerned 'John' a 22 year-old man who was twice the legal limit after a night out with friends; Scenario 2 concerned 'Jenny' a 27 year-old professional, who was marginally over the limit due to after work drinks; Scenario 3 concerned 'Steven' a 35 year-old man with a young family who was just over the limit after eating dinner at a friend's house.
7.49 For each scenario, respondents were asked whether the penalty of losing a licence for a year was what would usually happen to someone in those circumstances. They could say that it would happen always, most of the time, occasionally or would never happen. As being caught driving when over the limit results in an automatic one-year ban, if respondents correctly understood the penalties for drink-driving, they would respond that this would always happen for each scenario. Figure 7.7 shows the overall responses to each of the different scenarios.
7.50 44% of respondents said that every scenario would always result in the driver losing his or her licence. Therefore, more than half of the sample did not think that being caught driving over the limit always resulted in a driving ban. Females were less likely to say that every scenario would always result in the driver losing their licence (37% of females said this compared with 50% of males). Those in the youngest age group were least likely to think that every scenario would always result in a loss of licence (37% of 17 to 29 year-olds), followed by those aged 30 to 44 and those aged 60 and over (42%), while those who were aged 45 to 59 were most likely to believe this (50%). There were also differences in the percentages of respondents saying this in different social grades (ABs 39%, C1s 41%, C2s 52%, DEs 45%) though these did not appear to be systematic. Additionally those who believed that drinking and driving penalties were too tough (see below) were more likely to think that loss of licence would not occur (36% believed all scenarios would always result in a loss of licence) compared with those who thought the penalties were about right (46%) or too lenient (44%). There were no differences by whether the respondents lived in an urban or rural location.
Figure 7.7 Whether each character would usually lose their licence as a consequence of driving when over the limit
Base: All respondents (1034)
7.51 Respondents were most likely to say that 'John' would always lose his licence (65%), but equally likely to say that 'Jenny' (53%) or 'Steven' (54%) would always face a ban. Additionally, respondents were less likely to say that John would lose his licence most of the time (24%) compared to 'Jenny' and 'Steven' (both 31%). There were no real differences in the remaining categories, though respondents were slightly less likely to say that 'John' would occasionally lose his licence compared with 'Jenny' and 'Stephen'. Respondents, therefore, seemed to believe that the amount over the limit that a driver is found to be is taken into account when penalties are applied.
Opinions on penalties
7.52 Having given their views on the universality of the penalty incurred in the 3 scenarios, the following information about penalties was given to respondents:
"In all cases, if a person is caught drink-driving, even if they are just over the limit and they have no previous convictions, they automatically lose their licence for at least a year, the conviction remains on their driving licence for a further 10 years and they have a criminal record for at least 20 years. In more serious circumstances they can face a longer ban or a prison sentence."
7.53 Respondents were then asked if they thought that these current penalties were too tough, too lenient or about right. As shown in Figure 7.8, respondents were broadly in favour of the current penalties, with 61% saying that they thought they were about right. 22% thought that the current penalties were a little (13%) or much (9%) too lenient. Only 15% thought that the current penalties were a little (14%) or much (1%) too severe.
Figure 7.8 Opinions on severity of drink-drive penalties
Base: All respondents (1034)
7.54 There were no real differences in opinion by gender or age. Those in the AB social grade were more likely to say that they believed the penalties were about right (72% of ABs, 59% C1/C2s and 56% DEs) and less likely to say that the penalties were too lenient (ABs 13%, C1s 23%, C2s 27%, DEs 25%), though all social grades were equally likely to say that the penalties were too tough.
7.55 As shown in Figure 7.9, personal drink-driving behaviour also affected opinions of penalties. Those who had consumed alcohol in the past year but had never driven after doing so were most likely to say that the penalties were too lenient (29%) and least likely to say they were too tough (12%). The opposite was true of those who had driven when they thought they might be over the limit in the last year (though, the small base size (n=53) of this group must be noted and may have exaggerated the differences). Only 13% of this group thought that the penalties were too lenient, while 27% thought they were too tough.
Figure 7.9 Opinions of penalties by drink-driving behaviour
Base: All in who have consumed alcohol in the past year in each sub-group (see brackets)
Effects of penalties - on other individuals
7.56 Survey respondents were also asked how not having their licence for a year would affect the lives of each of the characters in the 3 scenarios. This question was asked spontaneously and respondents could name as many different consequences as they liked. Figure 7.10 shows for each scenario what respondents saw as the most important effects.
Figure 7.10 Main ways in which losing driving licence is perceived to affect life
Base: All respondents (1034)
7.57 For those characters whose job was mentioned in the scenario (Steven and Jenny) the most commonly mentioned effect was that they would or may lose their job, with 84% mentioning this in connection to Steven and 62% in connection to Jenny. 33% of the sample also mentioned this in relation to John. For John, whose scenario revolved around having been out with friends, respondents most commonly said that not having a licence would affect his social life (55%). 36% mentioned social life in relation to Steven and 47% Jenny.
7.58 For Steven, whom respondents were told had a young family, his family or partner being upset / angry was seen as a big consequence (64%), though this was seen as a less important consequence for John (28%) or Jenny (25%). Difficulty in getting to work was mentioned commonly for all 3 scenarios (Steven, 39%; Jenny, 49%; John, 41%).
7.59 If the responses to all 3 scenarios are considered overall, there are some demographic differences in the consequences mentioned. Those living in rural areas mentioned more consequences than those in urban areas, particularly that loss of licence would affect social life (54% rural compared with 41% urban), that the person's boss would find out and it could affect their job (33% compared with 23%) and that it would be difficult to do everyday things like go to the shops (30% compared with 23%). For those in rural areas, the idea of the loss of convenience and ability to get around, therefore, seemed to be the greatest concern.
7.60 Age also had an effect. Those in younger age groups were more likely to mention effect on social life (50% of those aged 17 to 44) compared with older ages (45% of those aged 45 to 59 and 41% of those aged 60 and over). Concern about family or partner being upset or angry also decreased with age, being mentioned by 45% of 17 to 29 year-olds, 42% of 30 to 44 year-olds, 39% of 45 to 59 year-olds and 33% of those aged 60 and over. The same was true of saying that people would think less of them (20% of 17 to 29, 16% of 30 to 44, 17% of 45 to 59, 11% of 60 and over). Taken together, this suggests that social consequences are of greater concern to younger drivers.
7.61 Finally, social grade affected responses to this question. People in the AB group mentioned fewer consequences overall than those in other social groups. In particular, they were less concerned about paying a lot for public transport (mentioned by 22% of ABs, 32% of C1s, 36% of C2s and 28% of DEs). They were also less worried about their boss finding out or that it would affect their job (20% ABs; 30% C1C2s, 25% DEs). For this potential consequence, the lower proportion of DEs mentioning it was likely due to the fact that many DEs are retired or may not work for some other reason. Overall, this seems to suggest that ABs were less worried about the financial consequences than other social groups.
Effects of penalties - on a personal level
7.62 Previously in this section, the extent of drivers' knowledge of the penalties, based on the results of the survey, has also been explored. This demonstrated that some people did know what the penalties were; in particular the one-year ban was mentioned by around half of drivers, though other consequences such as the criminal record came to mind less immediately. The qualitative research confirmed that some respondents were aware that an immediate ban would ensue if caught driving when over the legal limit. However, this knowledge was by no means general; in some cases respondents thought a fine could be imposed or points put on their licence as an alternative.
"What's the worst case scenario here… I wouldn't be banned, I'd probably only get a few points so I wouldn't lose my job, that would be the thing I'd worry about the most and then the shame in telling people, but you don't have to tell people." (Female, 25-34, B/C1, Urban).
"If you got caught and they gave you a fine, you'd think fine and pay the money and you wouldn't think twice about it. That's just getting caught, but when you lose your licence and that kind of thing, that's when it matters." (Male, 17-20, C1/C2, Urban)
7.63 As well as exploring their understanding of penalties, participants were asked to consider the impact of those penalties on their own lives if they were caught drink-driving, although this should be read in the context that a number of respondents judged their likelihood of being caught, and the subsequent penalties, to be low.
7.64 The threat of a criminal record was, for some, said to be an important deterrent which led to other consequences, including the loss of a job.
"To me I think I would not want to have a criminal record. I know obviously killing somebody is horrendous, but that's probably the most unlikely thing and to me, if I had a criminal record, I would lose my job." (Female, 25-34, B/C1, Urban)
7.65 Many recognised the potential effect on employment; their current job could be at risk, as could future employability.
"I used to drink and drive all the time, but I started doing a job last July… I can't afford to lose my job, so it's just a definite no-no." (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Urban)
7.66 Employment may also depend on the individual having regular access to a car. Many of the rural respondents identified that being caught drink-driving could lead to a number of consequences including the loss of a job, some of which had not been considered previously.
"It's no just one thing, it's everything. Losing your job, losing your car, losing your independence, getting banned, getting fined, and its no just one thing… I suppose if you don't get caught then hopefully the others don't follow." (Male, 17-20, B/C1/ Rural)
7.67 The social implications of being caught drink-driving were also recognised. Many spoke of the potential embarrassment and humiliation of being branded a drink-driver, among family, friends and the wider community.
"It doesn't matter about the police and the prison, it's what your wife says." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
"You would wonder what your neighbours would say and all that… 'Oh, he's been done for drink-driving'. The social pressure as well." (Male, 35-49, B/C1, Urban)
"The stigma that comes with being caught… You'd be mortified, wouldn't you, caught for drink-driving, especially in a small place." (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
7.68 The 'naming and shaming' of drink-drivers in local newspapers was a further consideration. Many knew of this process, and saw it as an effective deterrent from being caught.
"If I lost my licence, it would be embarrassing… I work in schools… plus it would be highly inconvenient… your name in the paper and stuff like that." ( OTL male, 50+, C1, Urban)
"They have this little thing in the Lanark Gazette, they name everybody who's had any kind of stushie with the law … It tends to be only the really pathetic people that read it, so I thought body swerve that…. except my son's pal's dad is really pathetic, 'Oh see your mum got done for [drink-driving]." (Disqualified female, 35-49, B, Rural)
7.69 The visualisation technique used at the end of the focus groups clearly demonstrated some participants had never properly considered the effects of being caught, because they thought the risk was low. In this exercise, respondents were asked to close their eyes and visualise how they would feel if told they had just been caught drink-driving. Their responses were extremely telling; they spoke of feeling stupid for driving when over the limit, feeling guilty, in shock or 'gutted'. They reflected on what it would mean for their lifestyle: the loss of licence could mean loss of employment, loss of status or loss of independence. The embarrassment and humiliation of telling family members was recognised, as was the fallout from friends. The majority found the exercise challenging and emotive. It was apparent that many had not considered the true consequences of drink-driving and what it would personally mean to them if caught.
"I would be gutted when I think about everybody else talking about me… People think less of you when you've been caught drink-driving… There's a stigma attached to it. Not the thing to do, to go out and get caught drink-driving." (Male, 17-20, B/C1, Rural)
"I could just feel myself probably having butterflies in my stomach and just looking up at this police officer and going, 'What? You can't be serious.' I would think, 'How the heck am I going to tell my husband? What's the kids going to say?'" (Female, 35-49, C1/C2, Rural)
"Just get a pure sinking feeling… As soon as you get those words, that you can't drive again, you're going to get banned, you think of the worst things that could happen….losing your job, paying the fine and not being able to drive and just taking it all in, have the shock and feel terrible and regretting everything that you've just done." (Male, 17-20, C1/C2, Urban)
7.70 Of course not all consequences can be imagined. Those interviewed in the depth interviews, who had experienced being caught and disqualified for drink-driving, highlighted some of the harsh realities of life during disqualification and afterwards as a result of having a criminal record.
" If we are going out for a really nice meal and sitting on the bus in your glad rags like a complete twit, especially for the bus journey home, when like everybody is sort of covered in vomit and stinking of fags and you're there with your glad rags." (Disqualified female, 35-49, B, Rural)
"I've got my licence back now and I've been driving for just over a year now and the insurance is crippling. That's my red Astra out there, £1300 in the first year and I've just renewed it last month and it's down, with a one years no claim bonus, to £1150." (Disqualified male, 35-49, C1, Urban)
7.71 Their most compelling accounts told of the reality of being arrested, charged and spending the night in the cell. The disqualified drivers in the depth interviews spoke of the humiliation of being charged by the police, taken to the police station, and having to spend time in the cells "like a common criminal".
"That's the first time I've ever been in a police station as a suspect and I was taken up to the bar and they empty your pockets, take your shoe laces off, they took my photograph and fingerprints and I thought Christ, I thought it seemed a bit much, I'm getting treated as if I'm a bank robber or something and that was all done and I was lead to a cell and basically just put in the cell and I had to wait. About 7am the cell opened up." (Disqualified male, 35-49, C1, Urban)
"We went in and it's quite embarrassing, they wanted me to take off my socks and shoes and stuff… I was just crying my eyes out and just on a total shame spiral. Sitting in a police station with bare feet and jogging bottoms… oh nice, my lowest ebb." (Disqualified female, 35-49, B, Rural)
Key points
The survey and qualitative research investigated what would deter people from drinking and driving.
Personal limits
- In the survey around 6 in 10 drivers said they would not consume any alcohol before driving (63%).
- In the survey, those who drink before driving most often said 2 units (57%) or 1 unit (30%) of alcohol was a safe amount to drink (this was gauged using a unit calculator)
- In the focus groups, those who drink before driving commonly accepted the maximum amount to drink before driving to be 2 drinks. This was regardless of the strength of drink or size of glass. They sometimes stretched this to more than 2 drinks. It was acknowledged that this could lead drivers to being just over the limit, but the majority was convinced that their drinking was controlled and that they were rarely over the limit.
- Focus group participants were aware of factors that made personal safe limits vary, depending on the person and the situation. However, they expressed uncertainty about how this related to legal limits and how such limits could be measured practically.
The legal limit
- Among those who have never drunk any alcohol before driving, half thought that drinking before driving should not be allowed. The remainder thought that it should, at low levels.
- Focus group respondents, who did drink and drive, had mixed opinions about having a legal alcohol limit of zero. Some thought it would be impractical to enforce. Others said it would remove confusion. This links to the view that some people drink and drive because the law allows it.
- There was discussion around lowering the legal limit. It was argued that it would be practical and less ambiguous if the legal limit represented an amount where two drinks would most likely be above the limit.
Risks
- Those who drink and drive believed it to be a low risk activity.
- While killing someone was the more serious risk identified, it was considered so unlikely that it was effectively dismissed. The risk of killing someone or causing an accident was not found to influence driver behaviour or decision-making at the point of driving.
- Getting caught by the police was a bigger fear, although it was still seen as highly unlikely to happen. This assessment of a low likelihood of being caught was reinforced by the experience of having driven when over the legal limit on at least a few occasions without incidence.
Penalties
- Knowledge of penalties given to drink-drivers was mixed.
- Around half of drivers in the survey knew that being caught drink driving would results in loss of driving licence for one year. However, fewer thought that this happened in all cases, particularly if drivers were just above the limit. Few knew that it would result in criminal record or the conviction appearing on the driving licence
- The lack of knowledge of the penalties of drink-driving potentially leads some who drink and drive to underestimate the risks.
- Once the penalties were explained to drivers in the survey, the majority (61%) thought they were about right. Around 1 in 7 thought they were too tough.
- Other consequences recognised were losing one's job, the lack of mobility (especially in rural areas) and social stigma.
- However, it appears that many of those who do drink and drive have never seriously considered the consequences of being caught. Drivers who had been disqualified provided accounts of the trauma of being arrested and held in a police cell; and the embarrassing, inconvenient or costly consequences of being disqualified and having a conviction for drink-driving on their licence
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