HC Deb 13 July 1987 vol 119 cc328-9W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of fatal road accidents involved drink in the last year for which figures are available.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

In 1985, at least 1,400 road deaths—over one quarter —were associated with excess alcohol. In these accidents one or more road users were found to have a blood alcohol content over 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres, the legal limit for drivers. Further details will appear in "Road Accidents Great Britain" ("The Casualty Report") later this year.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of serious accidents involved drink in the last year for which figures are available.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

We do not know. We do know that in 1985, 6.4 per cent. of serious accidents involved a driver who failed the breath test or failed to provide a sample. This figure does not include accidents where the driver was not tested. It does not include drivers who had consumed alcohol but were below the legal limit.