The magnitude and nature of the problem of alcohol and road accidents in Great Britain has been monitored through special returns of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in fatalities, through routine reporting of positive screening (breath) tests recorded by the police for drivers involved in injury accidents, and through records of offences related to motor vehicles. The involvement of different road users is considered. Recent epidemiological studies are outlined, which give a new insight (albeit limited) into drinking habits and characteristics of offenders, and report on the role of drinking pedestrians in accidents. Although there is some evidence that the acceleration of the drink/driving problem has been checked, alcohol remains a major factor in the occurrence of road accidents. The data presented reinforce the need to strengthen legislation to deal with drinking and driving, including publicity to all road users, and to continue with supporting research activities to identify more effective countermeasures.
Abstract