Drivers see red over wine

07th August 2009

Variations in glass size and the alcoholic content of wine are being blamed for a sharp rise in the number of women charged with drink-driving.

According to the latest Ministry of Justice figures, nearly 12,000 females were convicted of the offence in 2007 – around 50 per cent more than a decade ago.

Road safety campaigners are putting the increase down to extra-large ‘half-pint’ (or 250ml) servings, as well as differences in alcoholic volume between brands. And they have called on the drinks industry to come up with clearer labelling on the units in each drink.

NHS guidelines say a 250ml glass of 11 per cent wine contains 2.8 units, while a 13 per cent variety has 3.3 units. Government recommendations state that the average woman will be over the driving limit after three units.

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA, said: “As the glass sizes and alcohol quantity vary, it’s difficult for people to know how many units they are drinking.”

Meanwhile, new Department for Transport statistics reveal fatal accidents involving drink-drivers rose by five per cent last year to 430, from 410 in 2007.

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