RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
September 29, 2005
PLEA ON DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT AFTER “SHOCKING” RISE IN DEATHS
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today it was shocked to learn that the number of people killed in drink-drive accidents last year was the highest since 1992 and called for the Government to cut the drink-drive limit in an effort to save lives.
Figures released today showed that the estimated numbers of deaths in drink drive accidents in 2004 was 590 – 10 more than in 2003 and the highest since 1992 when 660 people were killed in drink-related road accidents.
RoSPA believes the drink-drive limit should be cut from 80mg to 50mg – a move that could save 65 lives and 230 serious injuries a year.
The Society also wants to see the police given wider powers to breath test as it believes people would be less inclined to flout the law if they feared they could be tested anywhere and at anytime.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “We cannot understand why the Government continues to oppose a reduction in the drink-drive limit when the evidence shows it would save lives.
“We are shocked by yet another increase in the number of deaths even though there has been a fall in the number of casualties in drink-drive accidents. We fear the situation will continue to get worse unless something is done.
“Far too many motorists think they can drink and drive without getting caught.
“We still believe the Road Safety Bill could be used to introduce a reduced limit.”
The estimates for deaths in drink-drive accidents in 2004 were published by the Department for Transport today.
RoSPA welcomed the news that the overall number of deaths on Britain’s roads had reduced by eight per cent to 3,221 last year. It was also good news that child, pedestrian and motorcycle casualties were down, but although cyclist injuries reduced there was a worrying 18 per cent increase in fatalities.
“The number of cycling deaths goes against a long-term trend and needs to be monitored carefully,” Kevin Clinton said.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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