Over 300 Drivers Caught Drink Driving at Least Four Times
Figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has shown that 372 drivers were caught at least four times over the drink driving limit. Worryingly, this includes four drivers who were prosecuted on seven occasions for the same offence.
A freedom of information (FOI) request by the Press Association revealed that 27,837 individuals were convicted of the offense multiple times over the 11 years leading up to July 20th 2024.
The figures pertain to the number of DR10 endorsements on driving records, which remain for 11 years from the date of the offense.
These endorsements are issued to motorists who drive or attempt to drive while exceeding the legal alcohol limit.
The RAC and road safety groups are now calling for the Government to look into reoffenders having breathalysers fitted to their vehicles.
Alcolocks are devices installed in vehicles that require the driver to provide a breath sample before the engine can be started.
If the device detects a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit, the vehicle will not start.
According to figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), around 300 people lost their lives in road accidents in Britain in 2022, where at least one driver was above the legal alcohol limit.
This marks an increase from 260 fatalities in 2021 and represents the highest number since 2009, which recorded 380 deaths.
In response, A DfT spokesperson said: “The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this government.
“That’s why we have committed to delivering a new road safety strategy – the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.”
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: ‘It’s chilling to see a proportion of the driving public remain intent on taking charge of a car while intoxicated, even after they’ve already been caught by the police on at least one occasion.
‘The rate of fatalities caused by people drinking and driving is now at a similar level to where it was in the late 1980s, so it’s clear something needs to change. ‘Drivers need to be prevented from drinking and driving in the first place, so there’s a good argument for mandating alcolocks be fitted to vehicles driven by anyone previously convicted.’
