Experts says most New Zealanders don't really understand just how much harm alcohol can do

New research by DB Breweries suggests the average motorist has a significant knowledge gap, when it comes to the laws around drinking and driving.

The findings show people are basing how much they drink, around the number of drinks they think they can have - rather than the alcohol content.

Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Nicki Jackson says booze is so normalised in this country - there's a lack of understanding in general.

She says there are knowledge gaps across the board - such as in the number of women dying from alcohol-related breast cancers.