Drink and Drugs Driving Increase but casuaties fall

4 August 2011

Statistics released by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) show that of 88,629 people breath tested in June, 6.1% refused or failed a breath test, compared to 5.6% the previous year. In addition, offences by young driver increased by 15% from last year.

The percentage of drivers found to be over the limit in police breath-tests carried out during their summer drink-drive campaign has risen compared to the same period last year.

 However Provisional 2010 drink drive estimates show:

• Fatalities resulting from drink and drive accidents fell by 35 per cent from 380 in 2009 to 250 in 2010, whilst seriously injured casualties fell by 18 per cent from 1,490 to 1,230.

• Slight casualties resulting from drink drive accidents fell by 19 per cent from 10,150 to 8,220.

• Total casualties also fell by 19 per cent from 12,030 to 9,700.
 

• Fatal accidents decreased to 230 in 2010, a decrease of 34 per cent.
 

• Overall drink and drive accidents fell by 18 per cent from 8,050 to 6,630