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

  • US road safety record
    April 26, 2012
    The latest official statistics from the US on road accidents show that fatality levels on the nation's roads have dropped to the lowest figures seen for more than six decades. The information was released by US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, revealing that highway deaths fell to 32,885 for 2010, the lowest level since 1949.
    Read More
  • Improving road safety in Europe?
    July 24, 2012
    New plans by the European Commission are being proposed in a bid to reduce accident levels on the road. The changes are being made in a bid to reduce accident levels caused by defective vehicles. Under the new rules, all motorcycles and scooters would require technical inspections at regular intervals.
    Read More
  • Europe’s road safety challenge for the future
    March 2, 2022
    Europe’s road safety challenge is to reduce casualties for the future.
    Read More
  • Flat-pack gran keeps young drivers safe
    July 31, 2013
    Catching sight of grandma’s beady eye can make many a young driver pay attention to the speed limit or take a little extra care approaching a roundabout. But what if granny was always there, sitting in the passenger seat, keeping watch over those three point turns and reverse parking manoeuvres? Graphic design student Mollie Courtenay from Kingston University in Surrey, southern England, has come up with a novel way to harness grandparent power and encourage young drivers to be more safety conscious.
    Read More

Highlighted Content