Festival-goers warned not to drink drive or face a driving ban

Drink driving can lead to a driver being banned for at least one year and six months imprisonment. (Image: Getty) The temporary car insurance provider Uswitch has warned festival-goers to stay sober if they’re driving this summer.  In a recent study conducted by the company, 63 percent of those going to a festival would not wait until they felt sober before driving home.  Leoni Moninska, an expert from Uswitch, highlighted why it is important to wait until you are safe to drive after attending an event. She said: “We understand the unique challenges festival-goers face, where fatigue or alcohol consumption can hinder their ability to drive safely. “Our new Festival Temporary Car Insurance provides a convenient solution, ensuring a safe journey home while allowing people to fully enjoy the festival.” Uswitch also reminded drivers who are borrowing a friends car to take out temporary insurance. (Image: Getty) Uswitch’s survey also found that 58 percent of festival-goers admitted to previously feeling uncomfortable when taking a ride in a car driven by a friend who appeared hungover or drunk. To avoid a dangerous or illegal situation, the company told drivers that they should wait until they are sober before setting off, and pack their car properly, keeping a selection of goods easily accessible in the case of an emergency. This list includes a driving license, the vehicle’s registration document and a copy of the driver’s insurance certificate, in case of an incident, plus blankets, a torch and a waterproof jacket if the vehicle breaks down. Road traffic fatalities can occur in built up areas like cities and the countryside alike. (Image: Express) In England, Northern Ireland and Wales the drink driving limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, whilst in Scotland it is only 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Driving whilst over the limit can severely increase a motorist’s reaction times, and alter their judgement in scenarios such as junctions, posing a risk to other road users.  If the police find a motorist attempting to drive whilst over the limit, they could face six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least one year. The company also stated that if a driver needs to borrow a friend’s car, they should make sure that they have an appropriate temporary insurance policy for that specific vehicle. Drivers are also reminded to book the insurance policy for longer than the journey is expected to take, allowing for any unexpected stops and avoiding the risk of becoming uninsured when on the road. Driving without insurance is another illegal offence, with uninsured motorists facing a £300 fine and six penalty points on their licence.