Accompanying Drivers Must Avoid Drinking This Christmas

Jamie Daly - Mar 31 2022 9:42PM
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With Christmas fast approaching, we imagine everyone is in hot anticipation to see what Santa will leave them under the Christmas tree.

If you’re really lucky, Santa will have brought you some learner driver insurance, which is much better than a PS4! However, this joyous time of the year also has a darker side.

This is when drink driving rates sky rocket and awareness campaigns begin. For example, the RSA are currently running their winter drink driving campaign.


Kent Police are also doing their part. We would say their most poignant comment came from Steve Horton – Kent’s Road Safety Team Leader:

“The action of one drink driver can not only have an impact on their own life, but on the lives of others.”

Simply put, if you drink and drive, you not only put yourself at risk but everyone else. Learner drivers should also be aware that an accompanying driver who is under the influence of alcohol cannot legally act as your accompanying driver.

Shockingly, an average of 17% of learners have admitted to acting as the designated driver for someone this Christmas period, when the accompanying driver is not in a fit state to drive or guide the learner driver - this is against the law.

Northern Ireland have been the worst offenders with 27.91% of learners admitting to doing this. If the accompanying driver is intoxicated, it could result in …

  1. A prison sentence for the accompanying driver, if stopped by police.
  2. The insurance company not paying out in the event of an accident.

Learners - don’t allow your accompanying driver to be intoxicated. Accompanying drivers - don’t offer to supervise a learner's practice if you intend drink beforehand. Enjoy the season; it only comes round once a year, however, don’t be a fool and break the law. If you do, you’ll make this Christmas season a not so merry one.