It’s perhaps hard to believe, but the latest UK government figures show that drink-driving-related fatalities in 2022 were at their highest levels since 2009, with an upward trend (albeit of just 1%) for the second year running. Department for Transport data shows that between 290 to 320 people a year are killed in vehicle collisions where a driver is over the limit, with drink-driving involved in 17% of all deaths on the roads. The number of incidents involving drink drivers is now at its highest level in 15 years, and fatality statistics for 2022 are the largest since 2009. Overall, the government estimates that 6800 people were killed or injured when at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit, up 1% from 6740 in 2021.
The road safety charity IAM RoadSmart (formerly the Institute of Advanced Motorists) has called for more political and police resources to be dedicated to prosecuting drivers who take to the road after drinking.
The charity’s policy and public affairs manager, William Porter, said: “It is deeply concerning that drink-drive-related fatalities are at their highest level since 2009 and, worryingly, shows a dangerous upward trend for the second year running. IAM RoadSmart research shows motorists consider drink-driving to be the highest enforcement priority for traffic police, with 45% of motorists considering it to be the top issue in our 2023 safety culture report.
“We strongly support the increase in frequency of random roadside breathalyser testing and additional resources for police forces to enable them to carry this out. Alongside this, more drink-drive rehabilitation courses will be a key part of tackling this issue, given the evidence that shows that those undertaking such courses are two-and-a-half times less likely to re-offend. Finally, the government should seriously consider reviewing and reducing the drink-drive limit in England and Wales [the limit is already lower in Scotland].”