GBD-based IARD report finds alcohol-attributable road injury mortality has fallen faster than overall road injury mortality since 2010
Washington, DC / London, 8 July 26 – A new global analysis published by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) finds clear evidence of progress in reducing drink-driving deaths, with alcohol-attributable road injury mortality falling faster than overall road injury mortality since 2010.
The IARD Trends Report, Progress in Reducing Road Injury Mortality 2010–2024, draws on data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease 2024 study. It finds that, globally, age-standardized road injury mortality from all risk factors declined by 13% between 2010 and 2024, while alcohol-attributable road injury mortality declined by 28%.
The report shows that sustained action on drink driving is making a measurable difference. In many countries across Europe, Australasia, North America, South America, Northern and Southern Africa, and Asia, alcohol-attributable road injury mortality has decreased considerably since 2010.
The findings are published ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on Road Safety in July 2026, which comes as the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 passes its midpoint. As a recognized ECOSOC observer, IARD is contributing evidence, practical experience, and private-sector perspectives to support the whole-of-society approach needed to accelerate progress toward the 2030 road safety goals.
The report also finds that progress has been uneven across regions and country income levels. Alcohol-attributable road injury mortality declined by 30% in high-income countries, 41% in upper-middle-income countries, and 12% in lower-middle-income countries between 2010 and 2024. However, it increased by 26% in low-income countries, where the 2024 mortality rate was twice the global average.
Julian Braithwaite, President and CEO of IARD, said:
“The latest Global Burden of Disease data show that progress is possible. Since 2010, alcohol-attributable road injury mortality has fallen substantially—and faster than overall road injury mortality. That should give governments, communities and partners confidence that sustained, evidence-based action can save lives.
“But much work remains. The findings reinforce the need for stronger implementation and enforcement of drink-driving laws, greater public awareness, continued innovation, and partnerships across government, civil society and the private sector. IARD members are united behind one simple message: people should never drink and drive. We stand ready to work with governments and communities to accelerate progress towards the 2030 global road safety goals.”
ENDS
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Rodrigo de Casas
International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
rdecasas@iard.org
Notes to editors
The IARD Trends Report, Progress in Reducing Road Injury Mortality 2010–2024, uses data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease study.
The report presents age-standardized road injury mortality rates from all risk factors and rates attributed to the GBD high alcohol use risk factor for global, regional, country-income level, and country units.
The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 includes a target to halve the number of road traffic injuries and fatalities related to drivers using alcohol and/or achieve a reduction in those related to other psychoactive substances by 2030.
The report also includes findings from the Vias Institute’s E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes, covering 39 countries, on self-reported risky driving behaviors and perceptions of social acceptability.
WHO and GBD estimates use different methodologies and should not be read as directly comparable estimates of the same measure. GBD estimates provide one source for comparing trends across countries and over time.
About IARD
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. IARD is supported by leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers, who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking.
IARD works with public sector, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in support of the whole-of-society approach endorsed by multilateral strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. IARD actively supports multilateral strategies and goals to reduce harmful drinking, including the World Health Organization’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022–2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
IARD’s members are AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Moët Hennessy, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard, Suntory Global Spirits, and William Grant & Sons. Associate members: The Coca-Cola Company and LOTTE Chilsung Beverage.
© 2026 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
