Safe Speed Forums

According to new Government figures, almost half of all pedestrians killed in road crashes between 10pm and 4am at the weekend are more than twice over the drink-drive limit. The figures show that for the 301 pedestrians killed with a known blood alcohol concentration 38% were above the drink-drive limit (80mg/100ml) with 25% more than twice over the limit (200mg/100ml). Those between 25-29 who died were most likely to have higher alcohol concentrations.

The RACFoundation is concerned that drink drive related deaths are on the increase again. Provisional estimates for 2004 suggest that 590 people were killed, up from 580 drink drive related deaths in 2003. In response the Foundation is calling for more traffic police to target drink drivers and better road safety awareness for drinking pedestrians.

There is also concern that the progress made in the 1980s to reduce such drink-drive related deaths is no longer being made and the Foundation is calling on the government to do more to alert pedestrians to the dangers of drinking and walking, involving health professionals and road safety organisations and to investigate any structural changes which can be made to roads, crossings and pavements to safeguard them.

"Most of us are well aware of the problems of drink driving but little is said about the perils of drunk pedestrians," says Kevin Delaney, head of road safety at the RAC Foundation. "It is worrying to see the rising numbers of young pedestrians killed after drinking and the rises in fatalities who had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. Heavy intoxication must be a contributory factor in pedestrian accidents.

"Many of those pedestrians killed had made a sensible, laudable and informed choice not to take a car while they were drinking and were acting within the law. But drunken pedestrians leave themselves open to injury or death because their condition means that they are not in a fit state to consider the road safety dangers.

"New methods will need to be employed to highlight the potential dangers to drunken pedestrians. People going out drinking need to think carefully about how they will get home."

The Foundation is advising that those who are only slightly drunk to take a night bus or public transport if possible. If people are going to walk home, they should try do so in a group and opt away from a main road. People should also stay away from the kerb and not cross unless there is a pedestrian crossing. If people know they are really drunk they should phone for a taxi home, stay overnight at a place nearby or get a lift from a non-drinking companion.

"Motorists too have a role to play in cutting accident rates.," adds Delaney. "Most accidents involving alcohol affected pedestrians happen at night. Drivers should be very vigilant in areas near pubs and clubs, to the dangers of drunken pedestrians who may stumble into the road or attempt to cross at inappropriate places or at inopportune moments.

"The ultimate responsibility for road safety rests with all road users, including pedestrians."

aren't there some cars where the key fob can test if you are over the limit and won't let you in or drive...I think they were produced for company cars, but I just can't remember!

I have no idea how inebriated pedestrians can be controlled - or if they can be controlled. I like the shoe idea though.
I'm sorry you got hit by one.

My concern is also about people who constantly walk out in front of you wherever is convenient. It is almost impossible to see people in the dark (along some areas where I live) and it frightens the life out of me.

About time someone called for pedestrians to take some responsibility for their carelessness

Too right. The need to solve problems at source seems to have eluded many people in the last few years.

Result of modern blame culture.

Years ago we went to pub, had a few ( and more) tripped over kerb, hurt knee and cursed our stupid selves.
Nowadays we're encouraged to sue council for kerb being there.

My concern is also about people who constantly
walk out in front of you wherever is convenient. It is almost impossible to
see people in the dark .... it frightens the life out of me.

I strongly disagree with the official advice that non-drinkers should give lifts to drunks.

What a ridiculous and intolerant comment.

What a ridiculous and intolerant comment.

For a start, "drunks" and "people who have been drinking" are not at all
the same thing. You can easily be well above the legal drink-driving limit
without being remotely obnoxious to anyone.

Surely in terms of overall road safety it is far better that people who have
had a few drinks get a lift home rather than either driving themselves or
walking.

And taxi drivers have no alternative but to give lifts to drinkers.

What a ridiculous and intolerant comment.

Surely in terms of overall road safety it is far better that people who have
had a few drinks get a lift home rather than either driving themselves or
walking.

taxi drivers have no alternative but to give lifts to drinkers

One mad woman = everyone is mad
...
Personally I've never had a problem ferrying drunk friends/family
around. For starters most of them are sensible even when drunk. Even
if they've gone past that stage I can manage to tune out most stupidity -
...
: but if it's too bad - like the same person who then thought it might be
fun to start abusing people in other cars - they're told to shut the f*** up
or get the f*** out and start walking".

but if it's too bad - like the same person who then thought it might
be fun to start abusing people in other cars - they're told to shut the f***
up or get the f*** out and start walking

I'm not a lawyer but I suspect that if you take a really drunk person into your car then you are responsible for for getting them safely to their destination.