§ 71. Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents involving death or serious injury occurred in the 12 months to the last convenient date; in what proportion bf these cases the driver or rider of a motor vehicle was charged with a drink offence under the Road Traffic Acts, or would have been so charged had he or she not been killed or seriously injured; and in how many cases a road user other than the driver or rider of 284W a motor vehicle was reported to be affected by alcohol.
§ Mr. Tom FraserIn the 12 months ended 30th September there were 84,861 fatal or serious road accidents. One in 289 of the drivers and riders of motor vehicles involved were charged with a drink offence under the Road Traffic Act, or would have been so charged had they not been killed or seriously injured. The corresponding proportion for the pedal cyclists involved was one in 458. No information on the numbers of other road users affected by alcohol is reported regularly. The hon. Member will be aware from answers to his previous questions that the figures relating to charges understate the proportion of cases in which drink was a contributory factor.
§ Mr. John Pageasked the Minister of Transport how many road accidents. over a convenient number of years, were attributable to faulty or improperly adjusted rear lights used on vehicles with trailers, of two tons and upwards and below two tons, motor cycles, and pedal cycles, respectively.
§ Mr. Tom FraserThis information is not readily available. I will look into the feasibility of obtaining it, and write to the hon. Member.