The UK’s system to prevent drink driving is no longer adequate, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS).
The report reveals that, since 2010, around 240 people have died each year in collisions involving a driver who was over the legal drink drive limit. Drink driving remains one of the biggest single causes of fatal collisions, at around 13 percent.
The PACTS report is calling for a broader approach to tackle the problem, combining improved enforcement, health measures and alternative transport provision.
The report recommends:
- Mandatory breath testing powers for the police and the reduction in enforcement levels to be reversed
- Increased penalties for drivers who combine drink and drugs
- Specialist rehabilitation courses for those with mental health and alcohol problems
- A lower breath test limit for England and Wales
- Reforming the High Risk Offender Scheme
- That the government pay more attention to drink driving in alcohol harm and night-time economy policies
“After 10 years of declining levels of enforcement and social media campaigns aimed at young men, it is time for a new, more comprehensive approach to reducing the toll of drink drive deaths and injuries,” said David Davies, Executive Director of PACTS.
“Drink driving is often cited as a road safety success story, yet it remains a major killer and progress has ground to a halt since 2010. Not only is better enforcement important but also the issues of mental health and alcohol dependency need to be recognised.”
