Deaths due to drinking and driving on UK roads have increased to 300 every year, a 13-year high, according to newly published data from the Department of Transport.
There were an estimated 300 deaths where at least one driver was over the legal blood-alcohol limit in 2022, the latest year for which official figures are available. This is the highest annual figure since 2009.
In reaction to these figures, Paul Loughlin, Partner specialising in motoring law at Stephensons said:
“These are sobering figures that serve as another reminder about the dangers of drink driving and the profound consequences that decision can have.
“As it stands, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have one of the highest legal alcohol limits in Europe, at 80mg in 100ml of blood. This is significantly greater than in other large European countries, and indeed in Scotland, where it is 50mg in 100ml of blood.
The upward trajectory of these numbers may now prompt the government to revisit those legal alcohol levels, bring them in line with other countries and consequently strengthen legislation in this area.”
Comments