It has emerged that over half of UK drivers are not aware of the legal limits for drink driving.
According to a recent survey by law firm Rothera Dowson, 63 per cent of road users did not correctly identify the legal limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in England and Wales.
Other key findings from the survey showed that:
- 40 per cent of drivers did not know the correct speed limit of 70 mph for a standard car on a dual carriageway (unless a lower limit is posted).
- 1 in 5 drivers had no idea that you can receive an automatic 3 points and a fixed penalty fine if you are caught using your mobile whilst driving.
- 20 per cent of people were not clear on the rules regarding smoking in vehicles.
- 53 per cent of respondents didn’t have a clue that not having the correct address on your driving licence could lead to a fine of £1,000.
Anton Balkitis, motor transport solicitor and partner at Rothera Dowson said:
“This survey has revealed some very worrying results. There seems to be a lack of education when it comes to drink drive limits and speed limits so it is vital that moving forwards, drivers take the time to understand the laws of the road.
“The government has a responsibility too. Motoring law is an area that is still constantly developing with the arrival of new technologies and challenges so any changes to the law must be well communicated.
“There are obviously glaring safety concerns here. We must collectively take action to reinforce the laws in place to ensure all drivers are safe on the road.
“Despite the worrying results, 72 per cent of respondents did correctly identify that women have a better percentage pass rate for their theory test and the majority of people realised that speeding was the number one offence committed by drivers in the UK.”
You can test your own driving law knowledge by taking the quiz for yourself here.
For more information on Rothera Dowson solicitors, visit www.rotheradowson.co.uk or see the firm’s dedicated transport law website at www.keepmeontheroad.co.uk.