The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) has expressed its alarm at an increase in alcohol-related traffic deaths in the country. According to the US Department of Transportation’s (DoT) 2020 Traffic Crash Data, fatalities on the country's roads were up 6.8% in the year compared to 2019, resulting in the deaths of 38,824 people. Alcohol misuse accounted for 11,654 of those fatalities on American roads in 2020. Fatal accidents involving alcohol were up by 14% year-on-year, hitting the highest level since 2007. Commenting on the report, DISCUS CEO Chris Swonger said: “After many years of significant declines in drunk driving, we are extremely concerned with today’s news. These deaths are 100% preventable. We are strongly committed to working with Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the entire DOT to implement the National Roadway Safety Strategy, which provides a layered approach that includes safer drivers, safer cars, safer roads, safer speeds and improved medical care combined into a safe system approach.” The trade organisation reaffirmed its support for drink-driving prevention technology, such as ignition interlocks in cars owned by convicted drunk drivers. The body also called for initiatives aimed at people with substance and or mental health issues. Last month DISCUS hired a new international trade policy manager, Andrew O'Neil. Previously a trade policy officer at the Canadian embassy in the US, O'Neil will focus on regulatory hurdles and international tariffs in his new role. Alcohol’s ESG activations around the world – February 2022