Direct Line magazine

Drink Driving: the day after the night before

Updated on: 4 April 2025

A couple share a drink on their sofa.

Work parties, evenings spent in the pub, catching up with friends and family, weddings and summer BBQs... there are plenty of reasons why a couple of drinks can lead to a few too many.

But while the risks of getting behind the wheel when you’re over the limit are well-known, what about the morning after the night before?

Alcohol leaves the body at a rate of roughly one unit per hour, but this varies greatly depending on your age, sex, height, weight, and various other factors.

Thankfully very few people are foolish enough to drive while drunk, but have you thought about when it’s safe to drive the morning after a night out?

Our research shows that almost a third of wedding guests drink over 16 alcoholic drinks during the celebrations. And, worryingly, one in six admit to driving the next morning while still over the limit.

If alcohol is still in your system, it can be dangerous to drive. And the consequences are just as serious as drink driving in the evening, as our infographic shows.

drink driving infographic

Drink driving is never worth the risk. Not only is it dangerous for you and other drivers, a drink driving conviction can ruin your life and seriously affect the cost of your car insurance.

So, celebrate and be merry, but make sure you play it safe the day after a night out.

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