Can festive treats push you over the drink-drive limit?

Research has found many British motorists are unsure about the alcohol content of popular festive foods, putting them at risk of being over the drink-drive limit. 

More than a third (38 percent) of drivers surveyed underestimated the alcohol level of traditional Christmas favourites. 

While almost half (48 percent) felt confident about identifying festive drinks with risky levels of alcohol, only 18 percent said the same about seasonal food. 

Sherry trifle was noted as a risk by 44 percent of those questioned. This was followed by Christmas pudding, identified by 38 percent of survey respondents. 

Interestingly, 13 percent of people thought no festive foods can contain problematic levels of alcohol.

Alcoholic Christmas food often overlooked

The research was undertaken by car insurance provider, Tempcover. It found just over a third (37 percent) of people were ‘very confident’ about identifying the alcohol levels in Christmas delicacies. 

However, brandy butter, red wine gravy and sauces made with port and cranberry were still frequently overlooked by those surveyed, despite alcohol featuring in their recipes.

Although the relative alcohol content of many festive foods can be low, the cumulative effect of consuming them alongside an alcoholic drink may be enough to tip motorists over the drink-drive limit. 

Luxury Christmas puddings are typically the worst offender, containing 20-30 percent alcohol by volume. It means overindulging on dessert could cause problems for drivers beyond just indigestion.

Motorists still unsure on drink-drive limit

Tempcover’s research also found that only a third (35 percent) of motorists could correctly identify the drink-drive limit for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The legal limit in these areas of the UK is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, or 80 milligrammes per 100ml of blood

Scotland has a lower limit of 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, or 50 milligrammes per 100ml of blood.

Claire Wills-McKissick, an insurance expert at Tempcover, says: “Our research shows that many drivers are unaware of the alcohol content in seasonal foods, and a large proportion remain unsure about the legal drink-driving limit. 

“Exceeding the limit carries serious consequences, including a minimum one-year driving ban, up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine. If you’re in any doubt, don’t take the risk and avoid getting behind the wheel.”

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