A third of young motorists admit drink-driving according to a survey published today

A third of young motorists admit drink-driving according to a survey published today.

And one in five say they take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Auto Trader quizzed more than 8,000 17-24 year olds to uncover behaviour and attitudes to drink and drug driving as it launched major new safe driving initiative Don’t Wreck the Ride.

The survey also found 30 per cent? believe they feel “fine to drive” after drinking, while 50 per cent admitted they did not know the legal alcohol limits for motorists.

When it came to drug-use, 17 per cent admitted regularly taking cannabis, 12 per cent cocaine and 10 per cent ecstasy.

A total of eight per cent said they had been involved in an accident while under the influence of drink or drugs and a further 11 per cent had experienced a near miss.

The ‘Don’t Wreck The Ride’ campaign is backed by original Stig Perry McCarthy and model Michelle Marsh.

A dedicated website features podcasts from DJ Tim Westwood and Hollyoaks star Chris Fountain and a host of competitions and advice for young drivers.

Campaigner Nick Bennett has first-hand experience of the consequences of dangerous driving.

The 22-year-old suffered mobility, speech and nervous system injuries after he pulled out to overtake two slow-moving vehicles and crashed into a three-tonne lorry.

He said: “I was just an average 17-year-old bloke – I loved playing football, going out with my mates and driving my car.

“Now I can’t do any of those things. I used to regularly take risks while driving, then one day I paid for my stupidity.”

Auto Trader’s Jonathan Williams added: “The fact one driver is seriously injured or killed every hour in the UK is alarming.

“We take this problem very seriously and are launching a new campaign which we hope will raise more awareness to our problem.”

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