The number of people killed as a result of accidents with drunk drivers has fallen, new research has found, something which could have an impact on car insurance costs.

According to figures released by the Department for Transport, the number of deaths caused by motorists over the legal blood-alcohol level fell by 18 per cent to 460 in 2007, 100 less than in 2006, What Car? claims.

Meanwhile the total number of injuries increased from 14,370 to 14,480 while there was a two per cent increase in the volume of accidents involving drunk drivers.

Cathy Keeler, from road safety group Brake, told the news provider the figures are encouraging but not wholly representative.

"It's good news that the number of deaths in drink-drive crashes where drivers were over the legal limit fell in 2007 compared to 2006, but the figures don't tell the whole story," she said.

Ms Wheeler added the results do not take into account the number of accidents caused by those who are not over the limit but still have significant levels of alcohol in their system.

If the number of people drink-driving is falling it could mean fewer accidents or penalty points for motorists, which may help reduce car insurance costs.

Meanwhile, more than 150 motorists over the drink-drive limit have been apprehended in a crackdown by North Yorkshire police over the summer, the Yorkshire Post reports.

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