Drink-driving deaths up 7%: how are the Government going to tackle the issue?

An estimated 260 people lost their lives in 2023 due to crashes involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit.

Although this marks a 14% decrease compared to 2022, the number remains higher than in 2013.

The data also indicates that drink-driving was a factor in 16% of all road deaths last year.

Furthermore, 5% of all road casualties in 2023 were linked to drink-driving incidents.

England and Scotland reported a consistent 5%, despite Scotland enforcing stricter drink-drive limits.

However, Wales recorded a higher average of 7 per cent.

The Government is now looking to align itself with current European Union (EU) vehicle safety regulations by introducing in-car breathalysers – also known as alcolocks.

This device prevents the engine from starting if the driver’s breath alcohol concentration exceeds the drink driving limit.

It requires the driver to blow into the device before driving.

Lord Hendy, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, stated: “(The Government) are considering options for requiring the fitment of the safety technologies mandated by the EU's general safety regulation.”

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• Drink driving in the UK – statistics and data
• Drink driving limits in Europe

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “These disturbing figures show the twin evils of driving under the influence of drink and drugs are behind a frightening number of lives lost on the UK’s roads every year.

“It's simply unacceptable that an estimated 260 people a year lose their lives as a result of drink-drivers. It remains the case that the proportion of road deaths where drink-driving was a cause is at a similar level to the late 1980s.

“Drugs, too, are playing an increasing role in fatalities and are now behind a record number of fatal collisions.

“A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy.

“We've consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it’s clear the status quo isn’t working. RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks (‘alcolocks’) to offenders’ vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders. 

“Since 2022 we have urged the Government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily. We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside."