Drink-drive figures prompt call for stronger prevention measures
More than 2,500 drivers have been caught drink‑driving on at least three separate occasions in the last 11 years, new RAC analysis of DVLA data shows – highlighting the scale of repeat offending on UK roads.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the RAC found 2,553 accrued three or more DR10 or DR20 endorsements for drink-driving since 2014.
DR10 endorsements apply to those driving or attempting to drive above the legal alcohol limit, while DR20 endorsements are issued to motorists deemed unfit to drive because of alcohol.
The analysis comes at a time when road safety groups are urging the Government to introduce mandatory alcohol ignition interlock devices – ‘alcolocks’ – for high-risk and repeat drink-drive offenders. These devices prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
The data also reveals several extreme cases of persistent reoffending. One motorist amassed 10 separate DR10 convictions, another had eight, and a further 13 drivers incurred six convictions for driving over the limit.
In total, 2,171 drivers accrued three DR10 endorsements, alongside 25 motorists with three DR20 endorsements.
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesman, said: “These figures make it painfully clear that licence disqualification alone does little to prevent some convicted drink-drivers reoffending.
“The solution for repeat and high-risk drink-drivers who are highly likely to get behind the wheel again after drinking is something that physically prevents them doing so.
“Alcohol interlocks or ‘alcolocks’ do just that as they are breathalyser devices fitted to a vehicle’s ignition system that prevent it being started if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
“We believe they could play a vital role in stopping persistent offenders putting lives at risk if they were part of mandatory court-ordered programme. Public support is already strong, with RAC data showing 82% of drivers back the introduction of alcolocks to prevent drink-driving.”
