A government report reveals that in 2019, it is estimated that between 240 and 320 people were killed in accidents where at least one driver was over the drink-drive limit, with a central estimate of 280 deaths. This is an increase from 240 in 2018 and is the highest number of fatalities since 2009.
The report only provides for estimates of reported road casualties in Great Britain which involved alcohol levels in 2019. The finalised figures are due to be published in August 2021.
Whilst drink-driving road deaths have generally fallen over time, they unfortunately still accounted for 16% of all deaths in reported road accidents in 2019. The number of people killed or seriously injured drink-drive casualties in 2019 also increased by 11% to 2,110. This is the highest level since 2011.
The government has said that these estimates figures are ‘not statistically significant’ but road safety campaigners are calling for the Government to take urgent action on the drink-drive limit. Scotland’s drink-drive limit has been only 50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood since December 2014 whereas in England and Wales this is 80mg alcohol per 100ml of blood – the highest drink-drive limit in Europe. Brake, the road safety charity are calling for the government to review and reduce the drink-drive limit to prevent any more tragedies by implementing a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a drink-driver in a road traffic accident then please contact our personal injury solicitors today on 0161 696 6235 to discuss if you could be entitled to claim compensation.
Comments