Drink-drive crash deaths tumble

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Drink-drive crash deaths tumble

THE number of people killed in drink-drive road crashes fell by 18% from 560 in 2006 to 460 in 2007, according to new data published by the Department for Transport. Fatal accidents fell by 16% from 490 to 410, although there was an overall increase of 2% in drink-drive accidents from 9,400 to 9,620.

Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns at road safety charity Brake said: ‘It’s good news that the number of deaths in drink-drive crashes where drivers were over the legal limit fell in 2007 compared to 2006, but the figures don’t tell the whole story. Even more deaths are associated with drivers who are not over the limit, but have a significant amount of alcohol in their system and academics have estimated that setting a lower limit could save dozens of lives each year.
‘The most successful campaign would be one that had a clear message that no amount of alcohol is acceptable - any amount affects your reaction times and judgment. For such a campaign to work, the Government needs to reduce the drink-drive limit”