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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Drink-drive death total drops 18% | Drink-drive death total drops 18% |
| (about 4 hours 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. | 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. |
| Graph of drink-drive fatalities | |
| The number of fatalities is now lower than it has been since 1999. | 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. | 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." | "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. | 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. |
| Cathy Keeler from road safety charity Brake said: "It's obviously good news but more can be done. | |
| "There are deaths associated with drivers who aren't over the legal limit but still have a significant amount of alcohol in their system and these aren't included in these figures. | |
| "Academics estimate that setting a lower limit could save dozens of lives every year." | |
| She added: "We are calling on the government to reduce the drinking and driving limit as we believe a very clear message is needed that it is not acceptable to drink any alcohol at all and drive." | |
| The government is planning a consultation later this year to look at the legislation and enforcement around drinking and driving. | The government is planning a consultation later this year to look at the legislation and enforcement around drinking and driving. |
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