Drink-drive deaths up - RAC comment

Provisional estimates released by the Department for Transport show that between 240 and 330 people were killed in accidents in GB in 2017 where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit - the highest since 2009. An estimated 8,660 people were killed or injured a fall of 4% compared with 2016.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “Looking at these estimated figures there could be an increase of up to a 33% in the number of road deaths resulting from an accident where one or more drivers was over the drink-drive limit. This is a serious cause for alarm and reflects a worrying change in attitude by a number of drivers who are prepared to risk their own life and that of others by drinking and driving. Anyone who has lost a loved-one in a drink-driving accident will testify to how devastating and needless this is.

“Research for the latest RAC Report on Motoring revealed the proportion of drivers who admitted to driving when they thought or knew they were over the legal limit shortly after drinking has increased by 50% - from 8% to 12%. Significantly, a quarter (24%) of all drivers aged 25 to 44 admitted to this and almost a third (32%) of London drivers said they had done this.

“Fears about other drivers being under the influence of drink is now a top-five issue for motorists with 27% rating it as a concern, up from 22% in 2016.”

“With the reduced number of roads policing officers it appears more drivers are thinking they can get away with drinking and driving. However this is a major issue for society and we need to refocus our efforts to raise awareness of the risks.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest News

Website preview
National Parking Platform to launch - RAC reaction
Platform allows drivers to choose to use one of six mobile parking payment apps, simplifying parking
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
‘Double dose of delays’ on the cards for drivers making 18m bank holiday trips
Motorists advised to travel later in the day as most journeys are planned between 5am and midday
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers support court-ordered ‘alcolocks’ to tackle drink-drive reoffending 
RAC encourages the Government to take a different approach to reduce drink-drive collisions
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app