Proposals to lower the legal alcohol limit for motorists to reduce drink-driving incidents are gaining support from various organizations. The National Police Chiefs’ Council, the British Medical Association (BMA), and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners are advocating for a decrease in the current limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood, which has been in place since 1967 and is roughly equivalent to consuming two pints of lager.
Campaigners pushing for the limit reduction argue that drink-driving deaths have surged to 18% of all road fatalities, reaching levels not seen since 1987. In 2022, there were 300 fatalities in drink-driving related accidents, the highest number since 2009. Advocates are proposing a new limit of 50mg per 100ml, approximately the alcohol content of a single pint depending on the beer’s strength.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner of Sussex Police, who leads the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s roads policing efforts, emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She stressed the need for lowering the legal blood alcohol limit and quicker interim disqualifications for offenders.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners reiterated the dangers of impaired judgement caused by even minimal alcohol consumption before driving, emphasizing the need to convey the message that any amount of alcohol can be hazardous. Additionally, there are calls for stricter limits on new drivers, with proposals to impose a 20mg/100ml limit for those within two years of passing their test.
In response to concerns about the increasing impact of drugs on motorists, there are calls for enhanced drug-driving awareness and measures to combat the rising number of drug-related driving fatalities. Organizations are also pushing for immediate roadside bans for suspected drink-drivers, rather than waiting for criminal trials.
**Government Urged to Update Anti-Drink-Driving Message to Include Drugs**
In a groundbreaking call to action, road safety advocates are pushing for an overhaul of the traditional anti-drink-driving messaging. The stark reality of an alarming 50% increase in drivers killed under the influence of drugs has prompted a necessary evolution in the way we approach road safety.
Gone are the days of the simplistic mantra “if you are going to drive, don’t drink and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.” Now, experts stress the urgent need to extend this warning to encompass drugs. The dangers posed by the lethal combination of drink, drugs, and driving cannot be underestimated.
A leading voice in the campaign for safer roads emphasized the critical nature of this shift in approach: “We don’t want drivers to be in any doubt – drink, drugs, and driving do not mix.” This unequivocal message serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences that can result from impaired driving.
The Government has been called upon to address this pressing issue and provide crucial updates to current safety guidelines. As concerns mount over the rising instances of drug-related fatalities on the road, swift action is imperative to safeguard the lives of all road users.
In light of these developments, the public is urged to remain vigilant and adhere to the updated safety protocols aimed at combating the scourge of drink and drug driving. By prioritizing responsible behavior behind the wheel, we can collectively work towards creating safer roads for everyone.
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