In the 19th century, when we all lived more leisurely lives, fatal accidents caused by driving while intoxicated still occurred. Drunk in charge of a blind horse and a light cart was the cause of death of a farmer from Bourne Fen. Nowadays, it continues to be an offence under the 1872 Licensing Act to drink and ride a horse or cattle.
“A fatal accident occurred to Mr. Mason, farmer, of Bourn Fen, on Thursday night the 27th ult. The deceased had been to Spalding, and was returning home, somewhat inebriated, with a light cart and a blind horse, when, after having proceeded 300 yards from the Hurn bar near Guthram, the whole were precipitated in one of the drains by the road side. He was discovered the following morning quite dead, as well as the horse, although there was not more than two feet of water in the drain. Verdict of the inquest, accidental death.”
Stamford Mercury, 4th April, 1834