Letter: Drink-drivers suddenly get safer

Dr Sidney Alford
Saturday 04 January 1997 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: The Association of Chief Police Officers expresses disappointment that the number of people caught driving while over the alcohol limit in England and Wales over Christmas increased by 18 per cent (report, 3 January). Yet, and despite very bad weather, the number of alcohol-related accidents during this period increased by only 4 per cent.

Should we not rejoice that the inebriate minority of drivers have, in the course of a single year, learned to drive so much more carefully? Indeed, think of the decrease in the number of accidents which might be expected were the sober majority of drivers to improve their driving in like measure.

Or is there something the police statisticians have not told us?

DR SIDNEY ALFORD

Corsham,

Wiltshire

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in