Number of drink-drive casualties hit four-year high

The number of people killed or injured in drink-drive related crashes has risen to a four-year high, according to government data.
Drink-driving breathalyser.Drink-driving breathalyser.
Drink-driving breathalyser.

The latest report from the Department for Transport shows an estimated 9,040 people were killed or seriously injured in drink-drive incidents in 2016 – the latest year for which data is available.

That is a seven per cent rise over 2015 and the highest number since 2012.

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The DfT report also shows that fatalities were up 18 per cent on 2015 to 230, prompting calls from campaigners for a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving.

Increasing blight

Overall, accidents involving at least one driver over the drink-drive limit increased by six per cent to 6,070 and accounted for four per cent of all crashes.

The figures have prompted safety campaigners to demand a rethink of the current drink-driving law, labelling it unclear and badly understood.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said: “How many more lives must be needlessly lost before the Government acts on drink-driving?

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“Today’s figures show that drink-driving is an increasing blight on British roads and yet the Government sits on its hands and refuses to address the issue.

“The current drink-driving limit gives a false impression that it is safe to drink and drive – this is a dangerous message and one that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Research has shown even very small amounts of alcohol dramatically affect safe driving.

“Today’s figures show that drink-driving is an increasing blight on British roads and yet the Government sits on its hands and refuses to address the issue.

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“The current drink-driving limit gives a false impression that it is safe to drink and drive – this is a dangerous message and one that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Research has shown even very small amounts of alcohol dramatically affect safe driving.”