Overview

• Department for Transport statistics show 260 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Britain in 2023, marking a 14% drop from 2022 but a 7% rise over the past decade.
• Total drink-drive casualties fell to around 6,310 last year, representing a six percent decline from 2022 and a 23 percent decrease since 2013.
• England, Wales and Northern Ireland retain an 80mg per 100ml blood-alcohol limit—the highest in Europe—while Scotland has operated a 50mg threshold since 2014.
• IAM RoadSmart director Nicholas Lyes urged the government to boost police powers and overhaul sanction regimes for first-time and repeat drink-driving offenders.
• RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis called for a legal requirement that all new vehicles include interfaces to facilitate the fitting of alcolocks.