Provisional estimates for 2014 show that between 210 and 270 people were killed in collisions in Great Britain where at least one driver was over the drink drive limit, with a central estimate of 240 deaths. This is unchanged from 2013.

However, the decrease in non-fatal casualties in comparison with 2013 is statistically significant. If the final estimates confirm these figures, they will be the lowest on record.

According to the Department for Transport:

  • Due to the uncertainty in the estimates, fatalities should be regarded as having remained unchanged since 2010.
  • The total number of drink drive accidents of all severities fell by 1 per cent to 5,620 in 2014. If final estimates confirm this figure, it will be the lowest number of reported drink drive accidents.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) described the results as ‘unacceptable’.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: “The latest drink-drive statistics show that Britain is flat lining on drink-drive deaths. Total numbers of drink-drive accidents have gone down slightly but 20 people still die every month in an alcohol related crash – this is simply unacceptable.

“The government has increased the powers of the police to make it more difficult to avoid detection but they continue to avoid the one simple measure that could deliver fewer deaths immediately. That is of course a lower drink drive limit in line with Scotland. A recent IAM survey showed 70% of drivers support this measure.

“We need to break the deadlock on drink-drive deaths and a lower limit would send the strongest possible message that taking alcohol and driving is totally socially unacceptable in 2016.â€