Roadside breath tests have slumped to their lowest level on record.

The latest official data published shows another drop. In 2020, just 252,069 motorists were breathalysed by Police – an 18% fall compared with the previous year. Of course, the pandemic may have some influence over the numbers. However, this fall continues the downward trend seen since the peak of 703,490 breath tests in 2009.

Perhaps more likely is the cuts to police force numbers. The age of austerity introduced by the Conservative governments since 2010 may not be a coincidence.

Highs

Despite the slump in tests, 17.2% of drivers were over the limit. This is the highest proportion since 2003. The austerity cuts across the board seem to have affected the number and, breadth, of campaigns, both local and national. It is notable that it is the younger cohort of drivers who seem to dominate figures.

“Separate Home Office figures show the number of dedicated roads policing officers in England and Wales had dropped to 3,850 by March 2021. Compared with 5,220 in 2015, a dramatic reduction of 26%,” comments Hunter Abbott, managing director, AlcoSense.

“With ever fewer traffic police, testing will continue to spiral downwards.

Lows

The pandemic and lockdowns have reduced the number of people driving at times. However, research show the population has taken to drinking more alcohol too. When restrictions have eased, then there is a high probability of drink driving, especially the morning after.

“Studies show people drinking more alcohol since Covid struck, particularly at home. So roadside tests should actually be stepped up given the danger of ‘morning after’ driving with alcohol still in your system”.

A recent report by Public Health England highlighted a 25% increase in alcohol sales in shops and supermarkets between 2020 and 2019. This suggests a steep rise in heavy drinking at home.

Hangovers

The number of killed or seriously injured drink-drive casualties in 2019 was 2,050. This is an increase of 8% on 2018 and the highest level since 2011. The figure includes 230 fatalities where the motorist was over the drink drive limit.

“Even with 0.05mg/L of alcohol in breath (one-seventh of the English/Welsh limit) the driver is 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than when sober. If in any doubt, drivers should self-test with a personal breathalyser to ensure they’re completely clear of alcohol before getting behind the wheel,” adds Hunter Abbott.

 

 

 

SOURCES:

Police Powers and Procedures, England and Wales, year ending 31 March 2021

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-powers-and-procedures-other-pace-powers-england-and-wales-year-ending-31-march-2021/police-powers-and-procedures-other-pace-powers-england-and-wales-year-ending-31-march-2021

Police workforce, England and Wales:  31 March 202

Department for Transport:  Reported road casualties in Great Britain:  Final estimates involving illegal alcohol levels: 2019

Drug and Alcohol: Their relative crash risk. 2014 Romano et al.

Public Health England:  Monitoring alcohol consumption and harm during the Covid-19 pandemic