Overview
- Direct Line polled more than 2,000 adults and found 37–38% of Gen Z say it is socially acceptable to drive marginally over the limit, compared with 9% of baby boomers.
- Only 64% of 18–27-year-olds say the safest choice is to avoid alcohol entirely when driving, versus about 83% across the wider population.
- Knowledge gaps were stark, with roughly 10–12% of Gen Z correctly identifying current UK legal alcohol limits for drivers.
- Department for Transport data show drivers under 30 account for more than a third of drink‑driving collisions, underscoring enforcement concerns.
- Government sources say a signed‑off road safety plan for the new year is expected to lower England and Wales’ limit from 35µg/100ml to 22µg and may add penalty points for drivers if passengers do not wear seatbelts, though past research found Scotland’s lower limit did not clearly cut crashes.