Road Safety
Drinking and Driving
What will it take to stop you drink driving? THINK!
The new drink drive television commercial focuses on the excuses people give for drinking and driving. These excuses have a resonance with the target audience of 17 - 24 year old men. They range from 'I've only had a couple', 'Had a big meal' to 'I won't get stopped'.
Introduction
In 1979, more than 1,640 people were killed in drink-related road accidents. In 2002 there were 560 drink-drive fatalities. However this is an upturn on 1999's total of 460 and a pertinent reminder of the need for effective and ongoing Government action.
Drink Drive Limit
The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely consume. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, the weight, sex and metabolism of the driver all play a part. But any amount of alcohol affects driving ability. A motorist's ability to judge speed and distance may be impaired, their reaction times may be slowed and their judgement of risk seriously affected.
Key Facts
If you're convicted of drink driving you'll:
- Lose your licence for at least 12 months (which could mean you lose your job).
- Face a maximum fine of £5,000.
- Face up to six months in prison.
- Pay up to three times as much for car insurance.
When breath tests were introduced in 1967 the percentage of road fatalities where alcohol had been a factor fell from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. The level of publicity that preceded breath testing was not sustained, and by 1975 the percentage of fatalities involving an over the limit driver rose to 35 per cent. The decision was taken in 1976 to engage in a high profile publicity campaign to educate the public about the consequences.
Website: Department of Transport Road Safety
Website: Mothers Against Drink Driving (MADD)
Website: Training and Education on Drink Driving Offenders
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