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| Drink-drive death total drops 18% | Drink-drive death total drops 18% |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The number of people killed by drinking and driving has fallen by almost a fifth, government statistics reveal. | The number of people killed by drinking and driving has fallen by almost a fifth, government statistics reveal. |
| Latest figures from the Department for Transport show fatalities were down 18% - from 560 in 2006 to 460 in 2007. | |
| The number of serious injuries also fell, from 1,970 in 2006 to 1,760 last year - a fall of 11%. | The number of serious injuries also fell, from 1,970 in 2006 to 1,760 last year - a fall of 11%. |
| But an increase in more minor incidents saw the total number of drink and driving deaths and injuries rise by 220 cases a year to 9,620 - a 2% increase. | But an increase in more minor incidents saw the total number of drink and driving deaths and injuries rise by 220 cases a year to 9,620 - a 2% increase. |
| The number of fatalities is now lower than it has been since 1999. | |
| Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Drink driving ruins lives. That is why it is such good news that the number of people killed or seriously hurt in this way fell. | |
| "But any death or injury caused by a drink driver is one too many, and we will continue our efforts to tackle this serious issue." | |
| She added: "Thirty years of government campaigns and enforcement work by the courts and police are having a positive effect, but we can always do more. | |
| The government is planning a consultation later this year to look at the legislation and enforcement around drinking and driving. |