Cars in the News

OSV reveals that 27% of motorists are likely to drink and drive over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Although drink-drive-related road fatalities and drink-driving convictions are on the decline, more has to be done in order to stop drink drivers over the festive period. This is the message from vehicle leasing company OSV whose latest survey found that a quarter of motorists are likely to drink and drive over the Christmas and New Year break.

27% of UK drivers made the admission when asked if they were likely to drink and drive over the Christmas period. Debbie Kirkley, Co-Founder of OSV explained:

“We carried out this survey last year and were shocked by the results. We wanted to conduct the survey again to find out if recent anti drink-drive campaigns were having an impact. Although drink driving convictions and fatalities have reduced, we have found that a larger percentage of people have admitted that they are likely to drink and drive over the Christmas holidays, showing that more needs to be done to combat drinking and driving over the festive period.”

In OSV’s 2015 survey, twenty two per cent admitted that they were likely to drink and drive. This means that the company have seen a 5% increase. As many people are aware, even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. Those motorists that are considering drink driving should remember that if caught, you can expect to receive a large fine, a criminal record, a driving ban and a possible prison sentence.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 drivers, revealed that men were more likely than women to drink and drive this holiday (no change from last year) and young drivers are set to be the biggest culprits of drink driving this Christmas (also no change from last year). The survey also showed that motorists based in Wales are more likely to drink and drive than motorists based anywhere else in the UK this Christmas. Last year those in Scotland were more likely to drink and drive than anywhere else in the UK.

Reasons why people drink and drive vary. But, popular excuses still include peer pressure, feeling ok to drive and price of taxis. Debbie concludes: “Drink driving can ruin the lives of so many people, so think about the consequences before you get behind the wheel after having a drink this Christmas”.

Buying a car is a big investment, whether you’re choosing new or used vehicles. However, buying used will often give you more value for money. This seems to be the case more than ever, as recent reports show that the price of the average used car has dropped, with a substantial dip of 3.65% over a three month period. These recent changes now show the average price of a used car is less than £9,000 – this is the first time the average price has been this low in two years.

It’s always recommended to buy from a reputed dealer, such as Evans Halshaw who offer a wide range of used cars and will be able to help you choose a car that is right for you.

Meanwhile, the price of new cars is going up, as more people opt for pre-owned motors. The change in the economy sees people replacing their cars more often, and opting to shop around for better value – something many are finding with used cars. The East Midlands, in particular, has seen an impressive decrease in the number of pre-owned cars being sold, with a drop as high as 5.83%.

Considering these changes to the vehicle market, now is a great time to buy a used car. At the end of 2011 the average used car price is £8,870 so you can expect a very competitive price on your choice of car. If you’re after a younger pre-owned vehicle, then note these prices may be on the up, as demand becomes higher, following the drop in new car sales. Dealers are expecting the costs of these younger models to increase in 2012, so this is the best time to consider making your purchase if you want the best value for money.

If you’re looking to buy a used car, there are a few things you might want to consider.

Always aim to buy from a reputed dealer. Purchasing a car from an auction or from a private owner might offer better deals, but there can be hidden problems, and you will find it more difficult if trouble arises after you purchase the vehicle. Always opt for a warranty, and understand this is in addition to your consumer rights.

At the end of the day you want to be sure you are not buying a faulty vehicle. If the car you are considering is not fit for purpose, or something does not work, then it is not in an acceptable state to be sold as a fully functioning vehicle. Know what you’re buying. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t go through with the sale. Don’t hurry – be sure to always speak to the dealer and ask plenty of questions about what you’re actually buying. Find out the full mechanical state of the car, its prior history, and what kind of checks have been done to the car. If you think you have bought a faulty vehicle, return the car to the dealer, or speak to your fair trading office for more advice.

1 in 4 Likely To Drink & Drive This Christmas

Average price of used cars falls below £9000