Drink and drug driving facts and figures
Around 230 people die in drink-drive crashes every year.
Reference: Department for Transport (2018) Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report 2017, table ras51001
More than 1,640 fatal and serious crashes each year are linked to drugs (illegal and legal).
Reference: Department for Transport (2018) Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report 2017, table ras51001
19% of people admit driving under the influence of alcohol.
Reference: RAC (2018) RAC report on motoring
Drink and drug driving law
The legal limit for drivers is a blood alcohol level of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In most other European countries, including Scotland, the limit is around 50mg of alcohol per 100ml.
Police can stop and test any driver they suspect is impaired by drink or drugs, and may also test a driver if they are stopped for another offence or involved in a crash.
It’s ILLEGAL in England and Wales to drive with LEGAL drugs (medicines) in your body if it impairs your driving.
Drivers over the limit can get six months in prison, a serious fine and a driving ban. The sentences are much harsher for those who cause death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
Reference: www.gov.uk/drink-driving-penalties
Reference: www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law