HC Deb 12 June 1989 vol 154 cc329-30W
19. Mr. Curry

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give figures showing the months of the year with the highest incidence of drinking and driving; and if he will explain the reasons underlying the Department of Transport's campaign strategy.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

A good indicator of drink-driving patterns is the number of death and injury accidents involving drivers over the legal limit. These tend to peak in the summer as the monthly figures for 1987 (the latest complete year available) show.

That is why we are today launching a summer drink-drive campaign with two new TV commercials, to complement the regular Christmas campaigns.

The monthly figures are as follows:

Accidents involving death or personal injury where the driver or rider had a blood or alcohol level above the legal limit—1987
Number
January 680
February 740
March 880
April 890
May 1,140
June 1,050
July 1,060
August 1,100
September 970
October 1,030
November 1,020
December 970

23. Mr. Tredinnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the role low and non-alcoholic drinks have to play in the campaign against drinking and driving.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The continuing rapid growth in the demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic drinks (NABLABS) show that they are attractive alternatives for the driver as well as others. This sector of the drinks industry has doubled each year over the last two years. NABLABS mean that no driver has any excuse at all for drinking and driving. There is always an attractive alternative drink available in pubs and clubs. These should be in restaurants, too. Private hosts should ensure the same is true when they entertain.