Drink-drive statistics: user feedback request

We are proposing to make changes to the data collected from coroners which forms part of the annual drink drive statistics, from 2023 onwards.
Coroner data provides information on blood alcohol levels of those killed in road collisions which is used in these statistics.

Currently data is collected for all fatalities. However, only those that are motor vehicle drivers or riders are used in producing the estimates of drink-drive casualties as the drink-drive limits do not apply to pedestrians, vehicle passengers or non-motor vehicle drivers or riders.

As it stands, data on proportions of pedestrians, passengers and pedal cyclist fatalities with blood alcohol in excess of the drink drive limit is presented in table RAS2033. However, this shows that the sample sizes for these groups are typically small, and in many cases toxicology information is not available. It is likely that some coroners will test when alcohol is suspected to be present, which introduces the possibility of bias in these figures and potentially limits their usefulness.

To reduce burdens on coroners who supply this information, we are proposing that in future data will only be collected for motor vehicle drivers in future. However, we welcome any comments from users of these statistics and are particularly interested in any use of the figures we are proposing to stop collecting. Any comments can be provided in the box below or by email to the road safety statistics team (roadacc.stats@dft.gov.uk)

1. Are you providing a response as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation?

Individual
Organisation (please specify):

2. Does the proposed loss of data on blood alcohol levels in pedestrian fatalities cause you any problems with your work?

If yes, please add comments as to how the figures we plan to no longer collect are currently used

3. Does the proposed loss of data on blood alcohol levels in pedal cyclist fatalities cause you any problems with your work?

If yes, please add comments as to how the figures we plan to no longer collect are currently used

4. Does the proposed loss of data on blood alcohol levels in passenger fatalities cause you any problems with your work?

If yes, please add comments as to how the figures we plan to no longer collect are currently used

5. Do you have any other comments or feedback on the Department's drink-drive statistics, or road casualty statistics more generally?

6. The Road Safety Statistics Team wishes to retain your contact details so that we can send you emails about updates and feedback opportunities. Your information will be kept secure and will not be used for any other purpose without your permission. To find out more about how DfT looks after personal data, your rights, and how to contact our data protection officer, please go to https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport/about/personal-information-charter

If you are happy for the Road Safety Statistics Team at DfT to use your information for the purpose described above, please respond to this question with your preferred email contact address. You can let us know at any time if you do not wish to remain on this distribution list – simply email roadacc.stats@dft.gov.uk and say ‘please remove my name’.