Latest figures for 2011 showed 220 deaths as a result of drink driving, the lowest figure since detailed records began in 1979. However, even accounting for the same 15% drop between 2011's provisional figures, released last summer, and final figures from this week, the death rate is likely to be slightly higher during 2012.

The provisional figures show the total number of accidents involving drink driving totalled 6,680 incidents during 2012 – 10 less than in 2011 and accounting for 4% of all road accidents that year. But these also account for 17% of deaths, and 68% of those killed are drivers over the limit. The remainder are other road users.

As a result, RoSPA has told the Government in Westmister to lower the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood, in line with new rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while giving the police extra power to conduct a breath test.

At the moment, police cannot require a breath test without suspicion that the driver has consumed alcohol, unless they have committed a traffic offence or been involved in an accident.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: ‘A lower drink-drive limit would save many lives each year, while effective enforcement of the drink drive law is essential, and should be high profile and highly visible in order to enhance its effect as a deterrent.

‘Drivers should realise that if they choose to drink and drive there is a strong chance that they will be detected and prosecuted and that the penalties will be severe.’