Reduction in drink-drive deaths 'is very encouraging'

Date: 6/8/2010

Newly-released figures showing a reduction in the number of deaths caused by drink-driving are encouraging, an expert has commented.

Kevin Clinton, Head of Road Safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "We are pleased the message that driving while under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and irresponsible seems to be getting through."

Statistics published yesterday (August 5th) by the Department for Transport show that drink-drive fatalities fell by five per cent in 2009 and seriously injured casualties decreased by nine per cent.

While the number of fatal drink-driving accidents remained unchanged from 2008, the total number of accidents fell by seven per cent.

Mr Clinton commented there is still a lot of work to be done and as Christmas approaches it remains important to reinforce the message that drink-driving should not be an option.

The North Review published recommendations in June that the drink-drive limit should be lowered from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

Posted by Sarah Bailey