It's not big, it's not cool and it's not clever - but for some reason people still think it safe and appropriate to drink drive on a regular basis - and the statistics show that more of us than ever before are being seriously injured as a result.
Although it is probably fair to assume that most of us have at some point been guilty of knowingly driving when we have had too much to drink, it is generally something that we only do once and regret massively afterwards and vow never to do again.
But new figures released this week show that the number of people who continue to drive even though they have consumed above the legal limit, resulting in serious and fatal accidents has risen substantially in the past year.
The figures show that the number of people killed in drink drive accidents between 2010 and 2011 increased by 12% from 250 to 280, meaning that 15% of all road accident fatalities involved drink driving.
The increase is a significant step backwards for the authorities and the Department for Transport after such good progress was made in 2010 when the number of drink drive fatalities was at its lowest for thirty years.
An IAM (Institue of Advanced Motorists) chief executive, Simon Best, commented that 'More education of the effects of driving after drinking is required. Many crashes occur the morning after a heavy night's drinking'.
A further study carried out by IAM showed that 80% of motorists are in favour of more serious penalties for any repeat drink drive offenders such as having their vehicles seized. 50% also believe that any motorists found to be significantly over the limit should receive the same penalties.
It would appear that there is still a level of ignorance surrounding the dangers of drink driving which needs to be addressed, and possibly harsher penalties introduced in order to make potential drink drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel and risking not just their life but the lives of other, innocent people, for the sake of saving a few quid or a few minutes.
Although it is probably fair to assume that most of us have at some point been guilty of knowingly driving when we have had too much to drink, it is generally something that we only do once and regret massively afterwards and vow never to do again.
But new figures released this week show that the number of people who continue to drive even though they have consumed above the legal limit, resulting in serious and fatal accidents has risen substantially in the past year.
The figures show that the number of people killed in drink drive accidents between 2010 and 2011 increased by 12% from 250 to 280, meaning that 15% of all road accident fatalities involved drink driving.
The increase is a significant step backwards for the authorities and the Department for Transport after such good progress was made in 2010 when the number of drink drive fatalities was at its lowest for thirty years.
An IAM (Institue of Advanced Motorists) chief executive, Simon Best, commented that 'More education of the effects of driving after drinking is required. Many crashes occur the morning after a heavy night's drinking'.
A further study carried out by IAM showed that 80% of motorists are in favour of more serious penalties for any repeat drink drive offenders such as having their vehicles seized. 50% also believe that any motorists found to be significantly over the limit should receive the same penalties.
It would appear that there is still a level of ignorance surrounding the dangers of drink driving which needs to be addressed, and possibly harsher penalties introduced in order to make potential drink drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel and risking not just their life but the lives of other, innocent people, for the sake of saving a few quid or a few minutes.
About the Author:
Xavier Blakeson writes regularly about all things driving related and specialises in driving regulations and driving courses driving courses in tooting five facts you have to know about driving courses can be found here tooting driving courses
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