As the festive season slips into the fast lane, then so does the festive drinking season.

With it comes an increasing focus on deterring drink-driving.

National campaigns, advice and encouraging nominated drivers appear to be failing.

Years of improving figures look in danger of going into reverse.

Is it time for a rethink?

Up north

A significant rise in drink-driving prosecutions and convictions in Scotland has reignited calls for tougher laws to tackle the issue across the UK.

New figures reveal that 4,846 Scottish motorists were prosecuted for driving under the influence (DUI) in 2022/23—a 32% increase from the previous year.

Of those, 4,619 drivers were convicted, reflecting a 95% conviction rate.

This alarming trend coincides with national concerns over drink-driving.

Research by the RAC suggests that most UK drivers support stricter and faster measures on those caught to deter others.

Among these, 33% back immediate roadside bans for drink-drivers, a proposal championed by Chief Constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Shiner has called for new police powers to impose interim disqualifications, arguing that such measures would “immediately take that risk off the road.”

Currently, bans can only be issued by the courts, allowing offenders to continue driving until their court appearance.

 

 

Public backing

The RAC Report on Motoring 2024 reveals broad public support for additional deterrents.

Among the findings:

• 38% of drivers believe harsher sentences would curb drink-driving.
• 34% favor a zero-tolerance blood-alcohol limit.
• 32% support mandatory alcohol interlocks (alcolocks) for convicted drink-drivers.
• 31% advocate for increased roadside breathalyser testing.

RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing to government data showing that fatalities caused by drink-driving are at levels comparable to the late 1980s.

“Shockingly, a significant number of drink-driving offences are committed by re-offenders,” Dennis said, adding that tougher enforcement and preventive measures are essential.

Changing attitudes

The rise in DUI prosecutions comes alongside a troubling increase in casualties on Scotland’s roads. Drink-driving fatalities tripled in 2022, rising to 30 deaths from 10 the previous year.

Injuries linked to drink-driving also surged by nearly 50%, with 310 people hurt compared to 210 in 2021.

Hunter Abbott, managing director of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense, expressed concern over Scotland’s persistently high DUI rates despite the lower drink-drive limit introduced a decade ago.

“Research shows that even at the reduced Scottish limit, you are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than when sober,” Abbott noted.

A study by AlcoSense also revealed lingering effects of the pandemic on alcohol consumption, with four in 10 Scottish motorists admitting to drinking more during lockdowns.

Alarmingly, 15% say their elevated drinking habits have continued, potentially contributing to the rise in DUI cases.

National strategy

As Police Scotland launches its annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign, Chief Constable Shiner emphasized the need for swift legislative action.

“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs puts everyone at risk,” she said.

“We must be able to take robust action to prevent repeat offences and reduce harm on our roads.”

The UK Government’s upcoming road safety strategy is expected to address these concerns, potentially introducing increased roadside testing and interim bans for both drink and drug drivers.

 

Public backing for tougher penalties remains high, with 64% supporting harsher sentences for drug-drivers and 49% favouring immediate roadside disqualifications.

Dennis concluded: “It’s clear motorists want to see more done to tackle drink-driving, which tragically still claims far too many lives every year. Stronger laws and effective enforcement are vital to making our roads safer for everyone.”