Ten percent more driving licenses have been revoked due to alcohol or drug-impaired driving in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. A total of 3,542 driving licenses were revoked, which is the highest six-monthly figure in ten years, according to Riksförbundet M.
“Drinking is a big problem in Sweden. Every fourth fatal accident in Swedish road traffic is alcohol- or drug-related, which is a high percentage compared to comparable countries,” says Tony Gunnarsson, expert in road safety at Riksförbundet M Sweden, in a press release.
According to the Swedish Transport Administration, at least 15,000 journeys in Sweden have a driver so affected that they would be convicted of drunk driving if discovered. Although the number of revoked driving licenses has increased, there is still a clear majority that are never detected.
A total of 56 people died in alcohol- or drug-related accidents in 2022, which is 9 more than in 2021.
In Sweden, the limit for drunk driving is 0.2 per thousand; to be convicted of aggravated drunk driving a blood alcohol level is required.