Passenger advice – travelling with a drink
driver

As a passenger in a car you must always take action if the driver has been drinking.

More than 50 people are killed or seriously injured by drink drivers every week in the UK. Worryingly, 65 per cent of people who get into a car with a drink driver decide to stay in the vehicle, according to a survey by Direct Line car insurance. Only 22 per cent either take the keys away from the irresponsible driver or, if they haven’t been drinking, drive the car themselves.

So what should you do if you suspect the driver has been drinking?

1. If you know the person well enough, you should confiscate the car keys and demand that they don’t drive. Remind them that lives are ruined daily by drink driving.
2. It is not always possible to stop someone driving. One option is to report them to the police. If you think there is an immediate danger you should ring 999, otherwise, to report persistent offenders you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. It may seem harsh, but you may be saving theirs or someone else’s life by calling.
3. At the very least, make sure you get out of the car and refuse to travel with the person. Often this action alone is enough to make them reconsider drink driving.
4. If someone is driving because they can’t afford a taxi, help them find another way home or, if you can afford it, pay their cab fare.
5. Never accept a lift from a drink driver because it is the cheapest option. It could cost you more than the cab fare home.

For more advice on all aspects of staying safe on the roads, from driving in adverse weather conditions, to tips for new drivers, visit the Direct Line Car Insurance road safety advice section.

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