'The battle against drink-driving is far from over' as fatalities hit 12-year high

Drink-driving deaths in the UK have risen to their highest levels since 2009, according to new data released by the Government.

Drink driving UK statistics refer to 2021, and show a worrying trend of a 12-year high for fatalities as a result of drink driving.

Estimates for 2021 show that between 240 and 280 people were killed in collisions in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit, with a central estimate of 260 deaths.

The estimate of fatalities for 2021 highlights a statistically significant increase compared to the previous year.

It is important to note that the number of reported drink-drive collisions and casualties involved in them is likely to have been impacted by the pandemic in 2021. National restrictions implemented during periods of 2020 and 2021 led to a reduction in traffic and collisions, but may also have impacted on driver behaviour.

In total, there was an 11% increase in the number of deaths due to drink driving when compared to a year ago – and account for 17% of all fatalities on the roads.

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RAC road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “These figures are extremely worrying and demonstrate that the battle against drink-driving is far from over.

“This should be a wake-up call to both the Government and police forces about the need for effective enforcement, including increased roadside breathalysing. Our message to drivers is simple yet stark: drink-driving ruins lives.”

Despite the recent negative trend, the overall drink-driving related injuries on the roads in the UK have fallen 32% since 2011.

A common theme with these statistics over the years has seen male drivers being central to many of the collisions or fatalities.

The 2021 report has revealed that 79% of all drink-driving accidents involved male drivers – with those aged between 25 to 59 most likely to be involved.

The percentage of all casualties which occurred in drink-drive collisions was the highest in Wales at 7.3% followed by England at 5.2% and Scotland at 4.1%.

What do you make of these statistics? What more can the Government to increase the awareness of drink driving and improve safety for all road users? Leave your comments below.