Many motorists still admit drinking and driving, a survey suggests

A survey of 2,000 people by Privilege Insurance suggested one in 10 thought they drove safely after drinking.

The North West was worst affected by the problem and the Midlands least, according to the survey.

Ian Parker of Privilege Insurance said it showed the UK still had a "serious drink-drive problem".

"Many drivers don't realise the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol," said Mr Parker, the company's managing director.

DRINK DRIVE SURVEY 25% admit drink-driving 20% at least once a month 10% think they drive safely after drinking 5% have driven after five pints of beer North West worst affected Midlands least affected * Privilege survey of 2,000 people

"Even one pint of beer can lead to impaired judgment on the roads and motor accidents."

The report said social events such as dinners, weddings and nights out with work colleagues were the most likely to result in people driving while over the limit.

Blind eye

A fifth of those polled said they had driven under the influence in the last two weeks and one in five admitted to drink-driving at least once a month.

And just over 50% of people who had been a passenger said they had bought alcohol for the driver, and 15% turned a blind eye to how much was consumed.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said it spent �2m a year on drink-drive campaign messages. Last year 560 people died in drink-driving related crashes, compared to 1,640 in 1979.

Successful campaigns

"People have come to know our drink-drive messages and they are definitely working," she said. "We have some of the best figures in Europe.

"Although we've had great success, we realise there are still some target groups we have to educate."

She said the current drink-drive campaigns were targeted at 17 to 29-year-old men.

Courts were now able to use driver rehabilitation courses, she said.

The Road Safety Bill may also introduce more "alcolocks" - a device that can immobilise a car if the driver has been drinking - if pilot schemes in Birmingham and Bristol are successful.