UK drink-driving deaths rise 7% in a decade

Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has witnessed a disturbing rise in drink-driving fatalities, with the latest Department for Transport (DfT) statistics estimating 260 deaths in 2022 caused by drivers over the legal alcohol limit. This represents a 7% increase compared to the figures recorded in 2012, a trajectory that suggests stagnation in road safety improvements related to impaired driving.

The provisional estimate also places the total number of casualties in drink-driving incidents at 8,450 in 2022, including injuries ranging from minor to life-changing. Despite significant investment in awareness campaigns, enforcement, and technology, this data underlines a lack of meaningful progress in reducing alcohol-related road deaths.

There is a belief that the rise in fatalities reflects a broader policy complacency. Enforcement levels have declined significantly, with fewer roadside breath tests being carried out annually. Between 2010 and 2022, the number of roadside breathalyser tests fell by over 40%, according to Home Office figures. This reduction undermines deterrence and enforcement, two of the most critical tools in preventing impaired driving.

Further, the UK’s drink-driving limit remains one of the highest in Europe. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland retain a blood alcohol limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood, compared with 50mg or lower in most European countries, and just 20mg in many Eastern European states for professional and novice drivers. Scotland lowered its limit to 50mg in 2014, which initially saw a reduction in offences, yet the rest of the UK has failed to follow suit.

The government has repeatedly dismissed calls to lower the drink-drive limit, despite clear evidence from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland that stricter limits correlate with fewer alcohol-related crashes. A review of drink-driving law was last commissioned over a decade ago. In that time, over 2,500 people have died in drink-drive collisions.

In a recent statement, the RAC’s road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, called the situation “a national tragedy that simply should not be happening,” noting that, “we are at risk of sleepwalking into a worsening crisis if urgent policy changes aren’t enacted.”

“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. RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks (‘alcolocks’) to offenders’ vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders.

“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.”

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.”

“Fatalities have decreased steadily since these figures were first published in 1979,” comments Hunter Abbott of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense.

“In that year 1,640 people were killed by drivers over the limit.

“However, having dropped to 200 in 2015, the number of deaths has remained stubbornly over that figure ever since.

“In my view 260 deaths is 260 too many.

“Further, these figures only record accidents where a driver was actually over the legal limit, which in England and Wales is the highest in Europe,” adds Mr Abbott.

“What they don’t tell you is how many more casualties were caused by ‘lethal but legal’ drivers – those who were under the official limit but still impaired”.

Behind every statistic lies a personal tragedy. Families who have lost loved ones to drink-driving often find themselves navigating long, emotionally draining inquests, only to discover that many of these incidents were entirely preventable. Charities such as Brake and RoadPeace continue to advocate for change, highlighting how drink-driving destroys lives not only in a single moment, but for decades to follow.

The emotional and economic cost to society is incalculable. DfT estimates place the total cost of road casualties involving illegal alcohol consumption at over £800 million annually, factoring in NHS treatment, lost productivity, emergency services, and long-term care.

If drink-driving deaths continue to rise, the government will be forced to explain why it refused to act when all the evidence was already in plain sight.