The latest Department for Transport drink-drive statistics released today show an increase in the number of drink-drive casualties.

• Provisional estimates for 2012 show that 290 people were killed in drink drive accidents in the Great Britain, an increase of a quarter compared with 2011.
• There was a 5 per cent decrease in seriously injured drink drive casualties in 2012 to around 1, 200.
• 220 fatal drink drive accidents in 2011 resulting in 230 deaths, the lowest number of deaths since reporting began in 1979.
• Since 1979 (when reporting began), there has been an almost six-fold reduction in the number killed in drink drive accidents.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The number of people killed or seriously injured by drink drivers is the real indicator of success in dealing with those who present the biggest danger on our roads.   The IAM is concerned that despite continued police campaigns the message does not seem to be getting through to a minority of drivers.”

“This increase shows the critical need for the DfT to reverse cuts in publicity funding and continue to ram home the message that drink driving kills.”

IAM COMMENT ON QUARTER ONE PROVISIONAL ROAD CASUALTY STATISTICS

The latest Department for Transport road casualty statistics released today show a welcomed decrease in casualties for vulnerable road users.

• There were 1, 680 people killed in the year ending March 2013, a ten per cent reduction from 1, 870 in the year ending March 2012. The number of people killed or seriously injured also fell to 23, 660, a six per cent decrease.
• Pedal cyclist casualties are down 23 per cent on the previous year as well as motorcyclist casualties down 27 per cent. Although the notably colder winter temperatures in Q1 2013 are like to have had an effect on these reductions.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “It would seem to be good news with continued sustained falls in car occupant casualties and falls in all vulnerable categories for example pedestrians, bikers and cyclists.”

“It is clear that the continued economic downturn (with falling traffic levels) and poor weather are the main causes.  The economy is showing signs of improvement and we are having a fantastic summer so we cannot be complacent.”

“The IAM welcomse this good news for the start of 2013 but the real test will come when we see what happened over the spring and summer when cycling in particular will have been much more popular.”

 

1.  The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.