In 2020 there were 220 deaths on Britain’s roads where at least one motorist was over the limit for drink driving – a decrease on a decade ago when the total was 240, according to the latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The figures also show that there were around 6,480 people killed or injured in drink driving accidents in 2020, down 17% on 2019’s figure of 7,800, and the lowest figure ever recorded. Indeed, the number of collisions with at least one driver over the alcohol limit dropped 14% to 4,620 in 2020 – again, the lowest number recorded – however around 6% of all road casualties involve a drunk driver.
While the figures certainly show a decline in the number of drink driving accidents, the DfT has warned that the number of accidents and casualties is likely to have been considerably affected by the pandemic and associated lockdowns which led to far fewer cars on the roads. The fall in collisions between 2019 and 2020 is more-or-less in line with the reduction in overall collisions over the same period.
Hunter Abbott, managing director of breathalyser firm AlcoSense, said: “The fall in overall drink drive casualties needs to be viewed in the context of Covid.
“Traffic was down by a quarter in 2020, with weekdays slumping to 35% of pre-Covid levels in April.
“What these figures don’t tell you, however, is how many more casualties were caused by ‘lethal but legal’ drivers – those who were above the point of intoxication where effects on cognitive function occur, but below the official drink drive limit.
Abbott – who is also a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) – also pointed out that the legal limit for drink driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (35mcg alcohol per 100ml breath) is the highest in Europe and the joint highest anywhere in the developed world. In Scotland and most of Europe, for example, the limit is just 22mcg.
“The UK Government should bring our limit down to help remove legal but lethal drivers from our roads,” he said.
Simon Williams, road safety spokesman for the RAC, said he was pleased to see the record low in drink driving collisions but again noted the impact of the pandemic on the level of motoring in the country as a whole.
“Unfortunately, the wider picture shows the percentage of drink-drive fatalities on our roads as a proportion of all fatalities has increased, meaning the campaign against drink driving is just as important as it has ever been,” said Williams.
“Drivers themselves tell us they want to see more roadside breathalyser testing taking place as well as alcolocks fitted to vehicles of repeat drink drivers to prevent them from reoffending. Our message is simple and stark: if you’ve been drinking, don’t drive.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
