Drunken Passengers as Deadly on Roads as Drunk Drivers

A new survey has pointed out that drunken car passengers could be as dangerous as drivers who drink.

The survey suggested that inebriated passengers could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, swerve or crash, while sometimes the drunks can grapple with the steering wheel or fiddle with the handbrake, reports the Daily Express.

The poll by insurance company swiftcover.com found as many as 76 percent of car owners have driven drunken passengers home from parties.

It also found that drunken passengers cause more than 100,000 accidents and 650,000 near misses a year.

"We're familiar with drink-driving and the dangers it causes at this time of year, but there is a new danger on the road - the drunk passenger," said Robin Reames, of swiftcover.com

"Drivers find it difficult to focus when travelling with drunken passengers and with the difficult weather conditions associated with this time of year, it's important for them to take note and be aware of what they may encounter," he added.

Source: ANI