Youngsters ignore drink drive laws

Research by road safety charity Brake has indicated that more than a quarter of young drivers still at school or college admit to drinking alcohol before driving.

The survey, which quizzed 1000 people aged between 15-25 in full time education, was released by Brake at the start of National Road Safety Week.

Provisional DfT figures for 2003 reveal that 20 per cent of drivers aged 19 and under who died in crashes were over the drink drive limit, compared with 11 per cent in 1991. This increase coincides with research published in October showing a rise in drinking among young people.

Ministers have announced a planned crackdown on binge drinking between 15 December and New Year's Day. "Festive drinking should not be an excuse for violent and anti-social behaviour by a minority," said Hazel Blears, Home Office minister.

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