§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made in reducing drink driving(a) generally and (b) among what were the prime target groups.
§ Mr. ChopeConsiderable progress has been made in our continuing campaign against drinking and driving in changing public attitudes and so reducing the number of road accidents caused by those who drink and drive. In 1980, 32 per cent. of drivers and riders killed in road accidents, whose blood alcohol level was known, were above the legal limit. By 1989 this had fallen to 19 per cent. Among the target groups over the same period this proportion fell from 25 per cent. to 11 per cent. for the 16-to-19 age group and from 41 per cent. to 24 per cent. for the 20-to-29 age group. The reduction has been less marked for older drivers and our campaign has been broadened to address drivers in their early middle age.