Driving to work hungover 'four times more dangerous'

Driving to work hungover is four times more dangerous even if you are under the limit, new research has found.

A study carried out for insurers RSA by Brunel University found that drivers drove faster, more erratically and committed more traffic offences when they were hungover.

The university tested 11 motorists on a driving simulator when they had not drunk the night before, and again when they were hungover but under the legal alcohol limit.

On average, hungover motorists drove nearly 10mph faster, left their lane four times more often and committed more than double the number of traffic violations.

Graham Johnston, underwriting director of commercial motor at RSA, said, "As we enter the Christmas party season, the findings show that employees need to take greater care when deciding to drive the morning after even if they feel they are no longer over the legal drink driving limit.

"Moreover, organisations need to take greater responsibility when it comes to employee motor safety and ensure that best advice is communicated to any staff attending Christmas parties."