§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people in each of the last five years for which figures are available have been killed as a result of motorists driving under the influence of(a) alcohol and (b) drugs; what new proposals he has to stop (i) drink and (ii) drug driving; and if he will make a statement. [64717]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe information requested is in the following table.
Estimates of road users killed in accidents where one or more drivers were above the legal limit Number 1996 580 1997 550 1998 460 1999 460 20001 520 1Provisional National road accident statistics do not identify cases where drivers involved were under the influence of drugs.
Publicity remains a major factor in combating drink driving. We are moving to a year round more diversified campaign involving a wide variety of media. With respect to drugs, we are considering the best way of targeting advice to potential users about the dangers of driving after taking drugs.
We intend also to strengthen enforcement by giving the police the power to undertake roadside evidential breath-testing and, where appropriate, to take blood samples from unconscious subjects in hospital. We are monitoring the impact of the new police drug recognition and impairment tests and also intend to take legislative powers to enable the police to require suspect drivers to undertake roadside tests which, could include specialised drug detection devices if they become available.