Young motorists 'pay for drink driving'
0 commentsLevels of drink driving have reached their highest in ten years, as an increasing number of young motorists get behind the wheel despite being over the limit, police have said.
According to the latest research, drivers aged between 17 and 24 now account for more than a quarter of all those arrested for drink driving, a statistic which is not wasted on the insurance companies.
The latest figures from Scotland Yard show that young drivers make up a disproportionate number of offenders and casualties in drink related driving accidents, and it has called for government campaigners to do everything possible to get the anti-drink driving message across to younger drivers.
Commenting on the increasing number of young motorists driving while under the influence, Sergeant Ivan Stafford, of Leicestershire Police, said: "They're the majority of the casualties, they're the majority of the offenders. And the numbers of people being killed in drink related accidents have increased dramatically. They're killing themselves and they're mutilating themselves, which is such a tragic waste of life."
According to independent online price comparison and switching service uSwitch.com, young motorists prosecuted for drink driving will find themselves majorly out of pocket when it comes to renewing their car insurance policy.
Young motorists pay an average motor insurance premium of £948, more than double the average UK premium of £409. However, a driving conviction could see this already inflated figure rise by a further 55 per cent.
At the top end of the table, the AA would charge an average 18 year old driving a Ford Fiesta 1.25 an astronomical premium of £1,795. However, a drink driving conviction would see this rise by 55 per cent to £2,790, an unmanageable figure for many drivers. The same driver with an insurance policy from Kwik-Fit would see their premium jump from £1,265 to £1.896, a 50 per cent increase.
"As well as the potential of having a ban imposed on them for drink driving, younger drivers will also be penalised by insurers for up to five years if they are convicted for a drink driving offence," said Aron Thompson, head of insurance at uSwitch. Although insurance quotes can vary from provider to provider, he estimated that a young driver could see their insurance premiums rise by as much as £995.45 in year one following a conviction.
"In some cases, these young drivers that have had a drink driving conviction may not be able to find a new insurance provider as they present such a high risk," he said. "However, if you have been convicted of drink driving, it's always worth shopping around several providers to get the right policy at a competitive deal."
Comments
No comments have currently been left
Your email address is required so we can verify that the comment is genuine. It will not be posted anywhere on the site, will be stored confidentially by us and never given out to any third party.