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

  • Concern at high rate of crashes in Asia
    July 5, 2017
    There is concern at the high rate of road crashes across Asia. An increase in vehicle ownership has seen congestion grow in many Asian cities.
    Read More
  • Greater risk to pedestrians from safer cars?
    March 11, 2016
    A new study the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) in the US reveals that pedestrian deaths are increasing. The study is based on preliminary data from the State Highway Safety Offices. Following adjustments to that data for underreporting, the GHSA study estimates that pedestrian deaths increased 10% in the first half of 2015 compared with the previous year. Even without the adjustment, pedestrian deaths were still 6% greater, at 2,368 for 2015 than 2014.
    Read More
  • Thailand’s road safety plan makes novel step
    June 22, 2016
    A novel approach to improving road safety is being made in Thailand. The country is now making it compulsory for convicted drink drivers to visit hospital morgues. This move is being handled by the Thai Probation Department and forms part of a series of measures intended to improve road safety in Thailand. The aim of the programme is to scare drivers committing DUI offences into avoiding reoffending. The country has the second highest rate of road fatalities in the world, according to a report by the World
    Read More
  • Cycling safety concern in the UK
    June 25, 2021
    Cycling safety is a concern in the UK.
    Read More

Highlighted Content