Women drink drivers doubled

RECENT figures show that the number of women convicted of drink-drive offences has doubled in the last few years.

Apparently the problem derives from the fact that 55 per cent of women have no idea what the legal limit is or how many glasses of their favourite drink that entitles them to.

One in six women admitted to driving whilst under the influence last year, a figure that suggests that 2.6 million women are knowingly driving over the legal limit.

The survey conducted by Direct Line Insurance and the transport organization Rees Jeffreys Road Fund released the figures stating that in 2009 the percentage of women caught in drink-drive offences was 9 per cent, compared to a rise to 17 per cent in 2012.

Steve Maddock, managing director of claims at Direct Line Group, added: “Part of the problem is a lack of awareness and confusion as to what constitutes drink-driving and also the misguided belief that in some circumstances, driving while over the limit can be justified.”

The survey concludes that the increase is probably due to a rise in women drinking at lunchtime before the afternoon school run.

The number of male convictions has dropped by 46 per cent.