Drink driving 'is the fast road to higher insurance premiums'

Drink driving is a fast road to higher insurance premiums, one expert has advised motorists this week.

According to Norwich Union, which is an insurance company offering insurance for a range of things including car insurance, if motorists get caught over the alcoholic limit the policy of their car insurance would sky rocket.

Last year, research was published by Brake, which revealed that 19 per cent of 17 to 18-year-olds admit to driving over the limit while drunk and seven per cent had gotten behind the wheel whilst on drugs.

Worryingly, the report claimed that every day four 17 to 18-year-olds car occupants are either killed or seriously injured in crashes s in the UK.

Erik Nelson, a spokesperson for Norwich Union, said: "The safe and responsible option is to not drink at all.

"If you want a drink, consider taking a taxi or public transport, or having a designated driver if you are out with friends."

He added that alcohol can affect people differently in various circumstances, i.e. whether it is consumed with a meal, and he noted that even one drink may be enough to impair some drivers' judgement.

The insurance expert continued that even if drivers are "technically within the blood alcohol limits as set by the government" it is ultimately it is the individual's responsibility to ensure they are safe to drive.

According to the AA, the cost of the average insurance premium has risen by around six per cent in the past year to £682.

Young drivers, says the motoring firm, have been the hardest hit by the rising cost of premiums and therefore are least likely to be able to take the blow of a rise in their policy's price due to a drink driving conviction.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, stressed that car insurance costs are "spiralling".

He added: "While the number of casualties on Britain's roads is falling the cost of accidents is rising and young drivers are taking an increasing share of the toll.

"Insurers are also concerned about rising legal costs and personal injury claims, and I expect the upward trend in premiums to continue."

In light of these findings coupled with the credit crunch, which is causing many Brits to budget, drivers in the UK would do well to listen to the experts' advice and ensure that they do not get behind the wheel when they are intoxication. If they do, they could end up paying the price.