Huge fall in deaths from drink-driving

Deaths from drink-drive accidents fell sharply last year, provisional figures released by the Department for Transport show.

There were 250 deaths in 2010 – 35 per cent fewer than the 380 in 2009. Serious injuries fell 18 per cent to 1,230 and slight injuries were down 19 per cent at 8,220. In 1979, when drink-drive casualty records began, there were up to 1,640 alcohol-related deaths. Provisional figures for all road casualties for the first three months of 2011 showed that 440 people were killed, a 6 per cent rise on the same period last year. Cyclist casualties rose 26 per cent, and motorcyclists 16 per cent.