Drink-drivers 'tempted by short trips'

30/12/11

By Shane Gladstone

Research has suggested that people who drink drive often say they are only heading to their nearby homes.

The AA made the call after it conducted a survey with Populus that asked 18,000 drivers about excuses made by people who drink-drive.

The study found that "it's only down the road" was the top reason given for people getting behind the wheel after a drink.

This was followed by people suggesting that a meal would soak up the booze.

People also suggested that quiet roads made it okay to drink-drive, as well as claiming that the amount of time passed since the last drink had an effect.

AA president Edmund King said: "There is no excuse for drink-driving. Drivers must accept responsibility and stop making excuses for drink-driving.

"A short journey or a low-perceived risk of being caught are not valid excuses for breaking the law and putting lives at risk.

"The 'it's only down the road' excuse can easily end up with a trip to the morgue.

"Our key message is if you are going to drink, don't drive and if you are going to drive, don't drink."