Young Australians Risk Lives Driving Drunk the Morning After

A recent study reveals that over half of young adults in Australia admit to driving under the influence the morning after consuming alcohol. Conducted by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast, the study surveyed nearly 300 individuals aged 18 to 25 in Queensland, highlighting concerning trends in “next-day drink-driving.”

The research identifies five key factors that significantly increase the likelihood of young adults engaging in this dangerous behavior. These predictors include harmful drinking patterns, being male, residing in metropolitan areas, personal approval of drink-driving, and the belief that peers also partake in similar behaviors.

Dr. Michelle Nicolls, a research associate involved in the study, expressed alarm at the findings. Published in the journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, the paper titled “Young drivers’ next day drink driving: The role of social norms” emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and intervention.

In Queensland, driving under the influence contributes to approximately 22% of all fatal road accidents. Dr. Nicolls, affiliated with the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, pointed out that for learners and provisional drivers, any blood-alcohol concentration above zero is illegal. She noted that the rate at which alcohol leaves the body varies based on factors such as sex, weight, and the type and quantity of alcohol consumed. This variability can lead to young individuals still having alcohol in their systems the following morning, despite believing they are sober after a night’s rest.

The study found that more than 60% of participants admitted to potentially driving above the legal blood-alcohol limit the next day, and a quarter acknowledged drink-driving shortly after consuming alcohol. This behavior raises concerns about young drivers’ perceptions of risk, as many may mistakenly believe that driving after a night of drinking poses less danger to themselves and others.

While there has been considerable research and public discourse on drink-driving, the phenomenon of next-day drink-driving has received limited attention. Dr. Nicolls emphasized the necessity for further research to better understand young drivers’ perceptions and experiences with this behavior. “We need to explore ways to mitigate the acceptance and likelihood of next-day drink-driving,” she stated.

As the issue continues to evolve, the findings call for a concerted effort to enhance public awareness and develop effective countermeasures to address the risks associated with next-day drink-driving. Understanding the social norms surrounding this behavior may be key to improving road safety among young adults.

For more information, see: Michelle Nicolls et al, Young drivers’ next day drink driving: The role of social norms, Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2025.103404.