Two thirds of women prefer a man with a set of wheels

New research1 reveals that 66% of women want their man to own or have access to a car - bad news for the 85,0002 men who lose their licence through drink driving each year.

Men hitting the bottle then grabbing the wheel will find themselves sleeping on the couch, as almost a third, (30 per cent), of women claim they would be angry if their partner was caught over the limit. And any lads thinking they can talk the missus round after coming a cropper, think again - almost one in ten, (9 per cent), reckoned they’d have no sympathy for such behaviour.

Furthermore, nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of the nation’s women wouldn’t accept a lift from a current or prospective partner who’d had a few drinks - so, any men hoping to give their date a lift home after a few in the pub are out of luck - they’re more likely to be invited to ‘do one’ than upstairs for a coffee.

What women really want:
* A man with a nice set of wheels - 66 per cent said it was important for their man to have a car
* Nearly one in ten said a nice car was sign of success

In general, men are less bothered about drinking driving, with twice as many viewing driving after two pints as acceptable, compared to women. However, despite the laidback approach, men are concerned about how a conviction would affect their relationship. In fact a third, (32 per cent), would be more worried about upsetting a partner or family than receiving a £5,000 fine (27 per cent) or damaging their career (29 per cent).

If caught drink driving today, as a minimum you’ll receive a criminal conviction, 12-month ban and a stiff fine. All of which can heavily impact on your life. A harsh reality, particularly as over three quarters of men, (79 per cent), feel it is important to drive a car.

The research, which was conducted by the British Market Research Bureau on behalf of the government’s THINK! road safety campaign was released today to coincide with a ‘new approach’ national advertisement targeting young male drink drivers. The TV ad which will be premiered before The Big Brother eviction on 20th July focuses on the shameful reality of being caught drink driving and how it affects your career, social life, and for many, their love life.

Drink driving remains a key priority for the Department for Transport (DfT) in its work to improve road safety. A range of measures have already been introduced to help the police enforce against drink-driving, and a consultation on further ways to help the police enforce against drink-drivers is planned for later in the year. DfT and the Association of Chief Police Officers continue to work closely together and a police enforcement campaign is planned for the summer.