ACPO Figures Highlight Concerning Trends

Serious injury specialists at Irwin Mitchell have urged police forces to take a firm approach to road safety, after new research revealed an increase in the number of motorists caught drink-driving.

According to figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers, six per cent of drivers stopped in relation to the issue in the UK tested positive, refused or failed a breath test, which marked a small rise from 12 months ago.

In addition, seven per cent of drivers under 25 stopped were found to be breaking the law, compared to just over five per cent of over-25s.

It was also revealed that the number of motorists breathalysed during the month-long campaign on drink and drug-driving, was around 12 per cent lower than in 2009.

Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury team act for people who have been badly hurt in road traffic collisions, as well as the families of those who have lost loved ones in such terrible incidents.

Stephen Nye, a Partner and serious injury expert at the firm’s Birmingham office, said: “These figures sadly indicate that driving under the influence continues to be a major problem that needs much attention.

“Many of the serious injury cases Irwin Mitchell is involved in are related to serious head and spinal injuries caused in road traffic collisions, often in incidents in which drink or drug-driving has been a major factor.

“We would urge authorities to continue across the year to investigate and tackle this issue, particularly with a view to reducing the worrying trend of younger drivers now seemingly getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

“The serious, life-threatening consequences of such actions simply cannot be ignored and it is vital that education in this area, as well as the enforcement of regulations and regular testing in problem areas, are fundamental priorities all year round.”