DRINK DRIVE ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES – 1979 TO 2013
Government estimates for reported drink driving accidents and casualties over the 34 year period from 1979 to 2013 may be surprising, and challenge expectations.
In today’s modern society with its powerful vehicles, and in a country where reporting of binge drinking and alcoholism is commonplace, one might expect the figures for drink driving accidents and casualties to have risen dramatically over time.
However, Department for Transport statistics show the opposite to be true.
In 1979, there were 19,470 reported drink driving accidents with a total of 31,430 casualties. Of these casualties, 1,640 people were killed.
A decade later, in 1989, there were 14,390 reported drink driving accidents with a total of 22,220 casualties. 810 of these people were killed.
In 1999, there were 11,050 reported drink driving accidents with a total of 16,910 casualties. Of these casualties, 460 were killed.
More recently, in 2013, there were 5,710 reported drink driving accidents with a total of 8,290 casualties. 260 of these people were killed.
So, in the 34 years between the earliest and most recent Department of Transport statistics, there has been a decrease of just over 70% in reported drink driving accidents, a decrease of just over 73% in casualties and a decrease in those killed of just over 84%.
These figures would appear to fly in the face of our perception of drink driving accidents and casualties as being a growing problem, particular to the times we live in. In fact, accidents and casualties have decreased dramatically, something which can only be good news for everyone.
If you are charged with a drink driving offence, please contact our expert team on 01623 397200.
