The number of people killed in road accidents involving alcohol rose last year, according to figures released by the Department for Transport.

Provisional statistics just released by the DfT show that the number of deaths increased from 410 in 2007 to 430 in 2008. Meanwhile the number of drink-drive fatal accidents – where at least one person was killed – also rose from 370 to 380.

The last time both figures rose was in 2006, although the overall trend has been downwards, with the number of fatal accidents last reaching 1,000 in 1984 and the number of road deaths last exceeding 1,040 in 1985.

In a year when overall deaths were down 14% this is a disappointing to see an upward trend in this area. This release includes provisional statistics on accidents involving drinking and driving in Great Britain in 2008, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.

The figures also include final estimates for 2007. Figures show that:

• Fatalities resulting from drink drive accidents rose by 5 per cent from 410 in 2007 to 430 in 2008, whilst seriously injured casualties fell by 7 per cent from 1,760 to 1,630.
• Slight casualties resulting from drink drive accidents also fell by 7 per cent from 11,850 to 10,970. 
• Total casualties fell by 7 per cent from 14,020 to 13,020.  T
• here was an increase of 3 per cent in fatal accidents from 370 to 380.
• Overall drink and drive accidents fell by 7 per cent from 9,280 to 8,640.

The full report can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/adobepdf/162469/221412/221549/399405/rcgb08drinkdrive.pdf

A more comprehensive analysis of drinking and driving statistics will be published on 24 September 2009 in Road Casualties in Great Britain: 2008.