New research from car insurance provider Direct Line has said that 1.3 million British drivers are willing to get into their car when drunk to save paying a taxi fare home after a night out.
Young people aged 18 to 34 are the most likely to commit the offence, with eight per cent admitting they were more likely to drink and drive than get a taxi, compared to three per cent of 35-54-year-olds, according to the car insurance provider .
However, 13 per cent of people are driving on a night out to refrain from spending all their money on alcohol and 23 per cent are looking for bars and clubs closer to home to save money on petrol .
Maggie Game, head of Direct Line car insurance, said: "It's worrying to see the number of people who would drink and drive because they feel saving a few pounds outweighs the risk to themselves and others."
Those working long hours during the recession have also been encouraged to avoid driving if they are tired by car insurance provider Norwich Union, who found that ten per cent of road accidents are caused by fatigue.




