Drink driving falls but drug driving fatalities rising
New government data has revealed a fall in road deaths caused by drink driving but a sharp rise in fatalities as a result of drug driving.
It found that 260 road deaths were the result of drink driving in 2023, a fall of 14% compared to the previous year.
However, road deaths caused by drug driving rose by 14% over the same period, up from 90 in 2022 to 124 in 2023.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “Deaths due to driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs are at worrying levels. While drink driving fatalities fell by 14% between 2022 and 2023, drug driving deaths rose by 38% during the same period. This is truly shocking, and more needs to be done to stop people getting behind the wheel while impaired.
“More education, roadside testing and enforcement are key to get the message across that driving under the influence won’t be tolerated.”
Disturbing figures
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis added: “These disturbing figures show the twin evils of driving under the influence of drink and drugs are behind a frightening number of lives lost on the UK’s roads every year.
“It’s simply unacceptable that an estimated 260 people a year lose their lives as a result of drink drivers. It remains the case that the proportion of road deaths where drink driving was a cause is at a similar level to the late 1980s. Drugs, too, are playing an increasing role in fatalities and are now behind a record number of fatal collisions.
“A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the government’s forthcoming road safety strategy.
“We’ve consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it’s clear the status quo isn’t working. Since 2022 we have urged the government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily. We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside.”
Devastating consequences
Meanwhile, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “Drink driving can have devastating consequences. While the latest drink drive related fatality figures have declined compared to the previous year, the trend over the past decade is troubling and shows that we are stuck in a dangerous rut.
“We must redouble our efforts on enforcement, providing the police with the necessary tools to clamp down on drink drivers while reviewing our approach to both first time and repeat offenders.”
