Experienced drivers have offered timely advice to new motorists.

Drink driving as the festive party season begins this weekend was a key concern.

Sharing advice

More than 13,000 drivers responded to the AA Driving School. It reveals that one in four (28%) would impart the wisdom to never drink-drive. This is followed by making sure you drive to the conditions (16%) and always respect other road users (14%).

One third of 18-25-year olds chose ‘never drink-drive’ as the top piece of advice they would give to inexperienced peers (32%). This was the highest of any age category. Young drivers were also the most likely to choose ‘don’t tailgate’ as their top advice (8% vs 3% all ages).

One in ten said their top advice for an inexperienced driver would be never use your hand-held phone while driving (11%). A further 9% said the best knowledge to pass on was to always wear your seatbelt. Other advice included knowing that speed limits are not targets (5%), making sure you learn basic car checks (2%) and not hogging the middle lane (2%).

A small number (3%) of drivers said learning to drive in a manual car was their top advice. Only 30 of the 13,000 respondents said new drivers should get an EV, which only come with an automatic transmission.

Festive warning

A drink driving conviction can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving for two years. Drivers who are caught tailgating or hogging the middle lane can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

There were 32,678 court cases for driving above the blood alcohol limit last year, increasing by 13.9% on cases in 2020 (28,667)**.

 Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, says:

“Everyone wants a Christmas to remember, but it needs to be for the right reasons.

“Drinking and driving simply do not mix. The best way drivers can stay safe this festive season is to ensure if they are driving they do not drink, and if they are drinking they do not drive.

“The fact not drinking and driving topped the list of advice experienced drivers would give to new drivers shows that for many drivers it’s really top of mind.

“The minority who might be tempted to drink and drive need to take notice.  There’s no reason to take a chance – organise a lift, be the designated driver or book a taxi – but don’t drink and drive.”

The words of wisdom

“If you were going to give advice to new drivers, what would your top advice be?”*:

  1. Don’t drink and drive (28%)
  2. Drive to the conditions (16%)
  3. Respect other road users (14%)
  4. Never use your hand-held mobile phone while driving (11%)
  5. Always wear a seatbelt (and your passengers) (9%)
  6. It’s a speed limit, not a target (5%)
  7. Learn to drive in a manual transmission (3%)
  8. Don’t tailgate (3%)
  9. Learn basic car checks (2%)
  10. Indicate (2%)