New RAC analysis has found that more than 2,500 drivers have been caught drink-driving on at least three separate occasions in the past 11 years, putting anyone who drives vans and trucks for a living in danger.
The data also reveals several extreme cases of persistent reoffending. One motorist amassed 10 separate DR10 convictions, which apply to those driving or attempting to drive above the legal alcohol limit, while 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, issued to motorists deemed unfit to drive because of alcohol.
Overall, the DVLA data shows 220,638 motorists currently hold drink-driving endorsements – 217,757 DR10 cases and 2,881 DR20 cases. Furthermore, in the past 11 years, 26,819 licence holders have been convicted more than once.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said the figures made it painfully clear that licence disqualification alone did little to prevent some drink-drivers reoffending. He said: “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.”
