Drink driving a concern in Britain

The problem of drink driving is seeing an unwelcome upsurge on Britain’s road network. The latest official data reveals that casualties from drink driving are now on the increase. According to Department for Transport data, there were 9,040 people killed or seriously injured (KSI) as a result of drink driving on the British road network in 2016. Complete figures for 2017 have yet to be compiled but the trend appears to have continued. The KSI figures for 2016 represent a 7% increase over those for 2015 and
August 10, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

The problem of drink driving is seeing an unwelcome upsurge on Britain’s road network. The latest official data reveals that casualties from drink driving are now on the increase. According to 5432 Department for Transport data, there were 9,040 people killed or seriously injured (KSI) as a result of drink driving on the British road network in 2016. Complete figures for 2017 have yet to be compiled but the trend appears to have continued. The KSI figures for 2016 represent a 7% increase over those for 2015 and are the highest since 2012. Meanwhile there were 230 road deaths in 2016 due to drink driving, compared with 200 in 2015.

Several bodies focussing on road safety are urging the British Government to take action. The UK’s biggest independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has called on communities to join the fight against drink driving.

IAM RoadSmart has called for an increase in resources for police to apprehend drink drivers, as well as an increased focus on those caught on persistent drink-drive reoffending and those dramatically over the limit.

Rebecca Ashton, head of driver behaviour at IAM RoadSmart, said: “These figures are very disappointing. It is not just the job of the police to stop drink-driving – we can all play a part.

“Often those who drink heavily do so in the company of others – we all cannot turn a blind eye while those same people pick up their car keys and head off home.

“If we really care for our friends and family, we should do our utmost to stop them from taking such dangerous and potentially fatal.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Stronger crash barriers may be needed for heavier trucks
    January 4, 2013
    The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barriers. ‘Road safety barriers are designed and tested according to the maximum weight of vehicles circulating on Europe’s roads. The current European Norm (EN 1317) allows for
    Read More
  • Road safety concern for France, Germany and UK
    December 3, 2014
    Preliminary figures for deaths and serious injuries suggest a worrying increase in casualty rates for the EU’s three largest countries. The data suggests that France, Germany and the UK may well see an increase in road deaths, ending 10 years of progress in steadily reducing casualty rates. According to early data from the UK Government, there has been a 3% increase in people killed and a 4% increase in people killed and seriously injured (KSI) during the year ending in June 2014. This comes on top of a 1.7
    Read More
  • Questions over effect of tough sentences for driving offenders
    June 17, 2014
    A UK academic claims that research shows higher prison sentences are unlikely to deter death by driving offences. University of Leicester professor Sally Kyd Cunningham suggests new laws from the UK Government could fail as a deterrent to crimes committed while driving. In the wake of the Government’s recent announcement of a comprehensive review of driving offences and penalties, an academic from the University of Leicester has argued that higher prison sentences could fail to act as a deterrent against de
    Read More
  • AECOM seatbelt and phone use trial expanded
    March 8, 2024
    More police forces in the UK are joining the National Highways’ trial of safety cameras that automatically detect motorists breaking seatbelt and mobile phone use laws.
    Read More

Highlighted Content