New data from the RAC’s 2025 Report on Motoring shows that more than eight in ten drivers (82%) in the UK believe stronger action is needed to address drink-driving.
The findings come amid official statistics showing that drink-driving fatalities have reached their highest level since 2009, now accounting for 18% of all road deaths. Government figures estimate between 260 and 300 annual fatalities related to drink-driving, marking a 7% rise over the past decade.
Among those calling for tougher measures, 68% expressed this view independently of any statistics, while a further 14% supported stricter enforcement after being presented with the data.
Support was highest among younger age groups, with 88% of drivers under 25 and 85% aged 25 to 44 in favour of stronger action. The percentage dropped slightly for 45 to 64-year-olds (82%) and to 77% among those over 65.
Rising Self-Reported Offences
The report also suggests that the number of drivers admitting to drink-driving is nearing pre-pandemic levels:
-
7% believe they have driven while over the limit on the night they consumed alcohol.
-
5% believe they were over the limit the morning after.
Both figures are the highest since 2019 and represent an increase from 10% combined in 2024. Among under-25s, 18% say they have driven over the limit the same night, up from 15% last year. For drivers aged 25 to 44, the figure rose from 8% to 14%.
In addition, the proportion of people who know or suspect they have been passengers in vehicles driven by someone under the influence doubled from 8% in 2024 to 16% in 2025. Among under-25s, this figure rose from 28% to 40%, and in the 25–44 age group from 14% to 31%.
Commentary and Policy Perspectives
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said the figures indicate both increased public support for stronger drink-driving measures and a worrying trend in self-reported offending. He described the figures as a “clear message to Government” as it prepares to publish the first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade.
Dennis also highlighted support for alcohol interlocks or ‘alcolocks’, devices that prevent vehicles from starting unless a negative breath test is recorded. According to the RAC, 82% of drivers support mandating their use for repeat or high-risk offenders.
The Lock Out Drink-Driving campaign, which the RAC supports, is calling for these measures to be introduced nationwide. Chris Webb, MP for Blackpool South, also expressed support for the initiative, citing public safety during the festive season and the need to reduce reoffending.
About Freeman & Co.
Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.
Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.
The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.
Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.
The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.
If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.
Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.
If you would prefer to send a confidential email the please click here.
Our Details
Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ
Tel. 0161 236 7007
