New report shows drink drivers involved in one in 20 road accidents in the UK

Data for 2018 accidents has been released, with 5,900 incidents involving drivers over the alcohol limit.

Accidents related to drink driving increased by 200 cases in 2018 compared to the previous twelve months. Although they are provisional estimates, the data, released by the Department for Transport in February, suggests that one in twenty accidents in the UK now involves a drunk driver.

This represents a 4% increase year-on-year, with transport safety groups attributing the rise to the falling number of police officers. The figures also show that the overall number of road-side breath tests conducted by the police was the lowest annual level on record.

Only 320,988 drivers were tested by police at the roadside in 2018, according to Home Office figures. This is less than half of the 670,023 breathalysed in 2009.

The estimate for the number of people killed in 2018 in accidents related to drink driving is 240.

The report uses estimates for its findings. This is due to the fact the figures are based only on the road accidents which are reported to the police. DfT understand that a considerable proportion of non-fatal casualties are not known to the police. The final figure for 2018 will be published in August 2020.

Josh Harris, the director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said of the report:

With thousands of people still being killed and injured at the hands of drink-drivers every year, and little sign of this situation improving, decisive action needs to be taken.

We're calling on the Government to lower the limit and implement an effective zero-tolerance on drink-driving, making clear to drivers that when you're behind the wheel, not a drop of alcohol is safe.

Critics to this approach, however, argue that lowering the drink drive limit will not remedy the problem. They state that the existing level is sufficient, and that it is better policing of the law that will solve the issue.

President at the AA, Edmund King, has said the number of motorists to be found more than twice the legal limit is “worryingly high”. He also noted that many of these drivers are involved in accidents in the morning, when illegal amounts of alcohol is still in their system from the night before. He stated:

While the most common time drivers are tested is the evening, the number of drivers failing a test at 8am is staggering. 

Clearly, more needs to be done to educate drivers that a good night's sleep won't sober you up. 

How can Percy Hughes & Roberts help?

At Percy Hughes & Roberts, our team understand being injured in a road traffic accident can be a stressful and traumatic time. This is particularly true if you were hit by a drink driver.

If you have suffered an accident that was not your fault, our personal injury team is on-hand to guide you through any potential claim you may have, as quickly and as stress-free as possible.

Our personal injury team are all fully qualified solicitors with a wealth of experience to ensure you get fully compensated for your injuries and financial losses. You will have direct contact with your own personal solicitor who will regularly update you on the status of your case.

If you would like to contact one of the team, get in touch with our expert road traffic accident solicitors today by calling 0151 666 9090 or, alternatively, fill out our “Quick Enquiry” form and one of our advisors will get back to you right away. 

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