Driving under Influence

(asked on 5th September 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce deaths and injuries (1) caused by driving under the influence of alcohol, and (2) where driving under the influence of alcohol was a contributing factor.


Answered by
Baroness Vere of Norbiton Portrait
Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
This question was answered on 9th September 2019

In 2017, an estimated 250 people were killed in accidents where at least one driver or rider was above the drink-drive limit. Drink driving is involved in around 5% of reported road casualties and 14% of fatalities.

The Government is committed to tackling drivers under the influence of alcohol and all dangerous drivers and is determined that all such drivers are caught and punished. We employ a combined approach of tough penalties and rigorous enforcement along with our highly respected and effective THINK! campaigns to reinforce the social unacceptability of drink driving, and to remind people of the serious ramifications that drinking and driving can have on themselves and others.

The Department has also taken some important steps to tighten drink driving legislation. We have made it a requirement for high risk offenders to undertake medical tests before they are allowed to drive again, and we have also made sure that drivers over the breath limit cannot escape a conviction by demanding a further blood or urine test.

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