LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- With the festive season upon us leading car insurance broker Swinton is warning motorists not to become complacent about drink driving and to leave their cars at home if they are heading out for a drink.

In 2011, drink driving caused 280 deaths and 1,290 serious injuries according the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents.

In the UK, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 35mg per 100ml of breath or 107mg per 100ml of urine. However, there is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit.

Swinton is also warning office workers about the dangers of having a few festive glasses of alcohol at lunchtime and then driving home after work finishes at 5.30, as there could still be traces of alcohol in the body leaving drivers over the legal limit.

Consuming boozy food can also pose a threat to drivers, as foods like Christmas pudding and brandy sauce can add a few additional units to the overall intake, unwittingly putting people over the drink drive limit.

Steve Chelton, Claims Manager at Swinton said, "Drink driving is illegal because it is so dangerous. Motorists should always leave the car behind if heading out for a drink. Even if they have a drink and don't get behind the wheel until a few hours later there is a chance that they could still be under the influence as people break alcohol down differently depending on a number of factors including, height, weight, sex, age and gender.

"If you are caught drink driving you can expect a prison term, a driving ban and a hefty fine, and a likely increase on your next car insurance quote. Is it really worth it?"

About Swinton

--  With over 500 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high
    street insurance retailer 
--  Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton
    is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the
    community 
--  Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of
    its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike
    and even classic car insurance 
--  With a dedicated team on hand at every branch to search a panel of
    insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates.