Number of women driving drunk almost doubles

A survey has revealed that the number of women convicted of drink-driving has nearly doubled since 1998.

Women totalled 9% of drink-drive convictions 16 years ago, but that figure had increased to 17% by 2012, the figures showed.

The survey, conducted by car insurer Direct Line and transport organisation the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, revealed 17% of female motorists thought they had driven while over the legal alcohol limit in the last year.

Just as worrying is that 60% said they were unaware of the legal limit when it comes to being classed as drunk while driving.

59% of those who admitted to being drunk and driving said they did so because they felt “ok” to get behind the wheel.

Road safety minister Robert Goodwill said: “Drink-driving wrecks lives, and the personal consequences of a drink-drive conviction can be devastating.

“In 2013, 803 women failed a breathalyser test after an accident and that is 803 too many.

“That is why we are cracking down on the minority who drink and drive by introducing a new offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and closing loopholes in the law to make it easier for police to prosecute drink-drivers, as well as tackling the menace of those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs.”

Steve Maddock, managing director of claims at Direct Line Group, added: “Part of the problem is a lack of awareness and confusion as to what constitutes drink-driving and also the misguided belief that in some circumstances, driving while over the limit can be justified.”

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Neil Davies

Motoring Lawyer at Caddick Davies Solicitors

Caddick Davies is recognised as one of England and Wales’ leading motoring law firms, offering specialist Speeding Solicitors, Drink Driving Solicitors & Dangerous Driving Solicitors.We provide advice and representation on all motoring offences including speeding, the avoidance of disqualification on penalty points or “totting up” (exceptional hardship), driving without due care and attention (careless driving), dangerous driving, drink driving, as well as a range of services related to medical revocation of a driving licence.

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