The number of fatal accidents involving drink drivers last year rose by 18%, from 220 in 2010 to 260 in 2011 according to figures published by the Department for Transport (DfT).

In the same period, the number of people killed in drink drive accidents increased by 12%, from 250 to 280. This means that 15% of all fatalities in road accidents involved drink driving.

Other findings include:

• The total number of drink drive accidents increased by 1.5%, from 6,630 to 6,730;
• The total number of casualties involving drink driving rose by 3%, from 9,700 in 2010 to 9,990 in 2011.

The rise in drink drive casualties follows a drop in 2010, when drink drive fatalities were at their lowest in thirty years.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "Any rise in drink drive casualties is worrying, with 15% of all road fatalities involving a drink driver there is clearly more to be done to reduce casualties.  The problem is many crashes occur the morning after – there needs to be more education on the effects of driving after drinking. A heavy night drinking could leave you over the limit the morning after. The message to all drivers is don’t drink and drive.”