New figures from the Department for Transport have revealed a rise in the number of drink-drive related deaths and accidents since 2015.
An estimated 9,040 people were killed or injured in drink-drive related incidents in 2016, up 7% on the previous year. The total number of drink-drive accidents were also up 6% on the previous year to 6,070.
Commenting on the latest figures, Paul Loughlin, a solicitor in motoring law at the national firm, Stephensons, said:
“The figures from the Department for Transport are a significant concern and will renew calls from many to review the drink-drive limit in England and Wales and continue to push for harsher penalties for those caught intoxicated behind the wheel.
“Since the start of the year, and the introduction of stricter sentencing guidelines back in April 2017, we’ve seen a significant uplift in the number of drivers seeking legal advice following a drink-drive offence. In January, immediately after the New Year celebrations, enquiries went up by 145% on the previous month and continue to remain high in comparison to the same period last year.
“In the vast majority of cases, these are first time offences; often people who feel they are ok to drive and then surprised when they produce a positive breath sample. “Sleeping it off” for a few hours, or even overnight, does not mean you have sufficiently sobered up. While you may feel less impaired, your blood alcohol level could still take you over the legal threshold.”