New research from MoneySuperMarket has revealed the occupations which have the highest drink and drug-driving offences, with plumbers being the worst offenders, clocking up the highest level of drink and drug driving convictions.
The stats show that 10.7 plumbers in 1,000 had been prosecuted for this offence. Builders rank second at 6.6, followed by ground workers (6.5), labourers (6.1) and roofers (5.4), all of which have relatively high rates of drink and drug driving.
The high incident of drink and drug driving amongst tradespeople may be down to the fact that many of them have an early start and may be unaware that they are over the limit when they hit the road. They also finish work earlier than office jobs and perhaps are more likely to head to the pub after a hard day’s work.
Police officers (0.031), deputy head teachers (0.106) and doctors (0.184) are among the professions with the lowest conviction rates.
Highest volume of drink and drug-drive offences by profession
1. Plumber – 10.7 per 1,000
2. Builder – 6.6 per 1,000
3. Ground worker – 6.5 per 1,000
4. Labourer – 6.1 per 1,000
5. Roofer – 5.4 per 1,000
6. Scaffolder – 5.3 per 1,000
7. Plasterer – 4.6 per 1,000
8. Landscape gardener – 4.0 per 1,000
9. Construction worker – 4.0 per 1,000
10. Bricklayer – 3.7 per 1,000
Source: MoneySuperMarket analysis of 6m car insurance quotes carried out between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2019
In spite of the Government’s effort to persuade motorists not to drink/take drugs and drive, it appears the problem is getting worse. The latest figures from the Department of Transport show that the number of people killed in drink-drive crashes on Britain’s roads has reached an eight-year high. There were between 230 and 270 fatalities in accidents where at least one driver or rider was over the alcohol limit in 2017. The median figure of 250 is the highest since 2009.
Michael Foote, Managing Director of Quote Goat, commented: “The figures are shockingly high and clearly, the Government’s education campaigns are not getting the cut through required to halt the increase in drink and drug driving. Recent research by the road safety charity Brake found that more than 5,000 motorists had been caught drink-driving on two or more occasions in the past four years.
“There urgently needs to be a review of Government’s drink driving policy and more collaboration with organisations that represent UK motorists.
“Driving under the influence is simply not worth it and I’d plead with anybody considering it to take the time to look at the wide-ranging potential consequences from losing your license & job through to the tragic loss of lives of friends, family & others on the road.”
