Drink driving linked to dozens of crashes in Sheffield

Road safety charity Brake called the persistence of dangerous behaviour ‘deeply concerning’ as it renewed calls for a zero-tolerance stance on drink and drug driving nationally.

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Department for Transport data shows drivers or riders impaired by alcohol contributed to 31 crashes in Sheffield last year.

A total 624 incidents recorded in Sheffield had contributory factors in 2019 and alcohol was linked to five per cent of them, while impairment through drugs was reported in one per cent.

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The most common contributory factor in crashes in Sheffield was drivers and riders not looking properly, listed in 21 per cent of incidents, followed by being careless, reckless or in a hurry in 18 per cent.

Different figures show 14 people were killed and 397 seriously injured on the area’s roads last year.

Joshua Harris, Brake's director of campaigns, said: “We urge the Government to introduce an effective zero tolerance drink-drive limit, providing much-needed clarity to all drivers that if you drink, you must not drive.”

Transport committee MPs announced this month that they are considering a no-alcohol limit for new drivers under the age of 25 in a bid to reduce casualty figures.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said statistics show road casualties are the lowest they’ve been for 40 years, and that the number of deaths has also reduced.

Inspector Jason Booth, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “Those that drive while over the drink drive limit not only pose a risk to themselves but to other roads users.

“We work hard to make the roads a safer place for everybody in South Yorkshire, and as part of that work carry out a number of operations throughout the year specifically aimed at reducing drink and drug driving across the county.

“Dedicated officers from our roads policing team conduct daily pro-active patrols as part of their Operation Illuminate, this is a dedicated car that focuses on the Fatal Four – drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use behind the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt whilst driving.”

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