Number of drink-driving accidents hits record low

The latest figures have revealed that the number of drink-driving accidents in the UK has fallen to the lowest level since records began.

The number of drink-driving accidents dropped by almost 1,000 between 2012 and 2013

According to data from the Department for Transport, the number of drink-driving accidents dropped by almost 1,000 from 6,630 in 2012 to 5,690 in 2013.

Despite the drop, the total number of people killed in crashes related to alcohol consumption remained at 240 for the fourth consecutive year – but over the course of a decade the number of deaths has reduced ‘significantly’ from 580 in 2004.

In addition, the number of young drivers killed or seriously injured in drink-driving crashes has halved since 2009, from 300 to 150.

A Department for Transport spokesman told Press Association: “Tackling drink-driving is a priority for this Government and we have strengthened enforcement by removing the automatic right for drivers who fail a breathalyser test to demand a blood or urine test. This has denied people the chance to sober up while waiting for the test to be taken.

“High-risk offenders are now also required to prove they are no longer alcohol-dependent before being allowed to drive. The Government will be looking at the best ways to improve road safety during this Parliament and beyond.”

Earlier this year, The Police Federation of England and Wales called for tougher laws on drink driving after a study by the Social Research Associates (SRA) revealed the number of female convictions had doubled.