RoSPA urging other parts of the UK to lower drink-drive limit

Aside from the many posts and advice about properly preparing for winter driving conditions, another important topic that makes the rounds particularly at this time of year is drinking and driving. It's vital to spread the word that mixing alcohol and/or drugs with driving should never ever be done and can result in fatal consequences if these warnings and quintessential advisements are ignored. Whether behind the wheel of your car, motorcycle, or van, please think twice before driving if you've been drinking or are under the influence.

This week, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging other parts of the UK to consider lowering the drink-drive limit after publishing a response to the proposal in Scotland. Through successive awareness-raising campaigns and the recent introduction of a vehicle forfeiture scheme, Scotland has seen a continuing reduction in the number of people caught drink driving while Northern Ireland has also decided to reduce the limit to 50mg for most drivers, but to 20mg (in effect, a zero limit) for learner, novice and professional drivers.

RoSPA has been campaigning for years for the legal limit to be reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg - in a bid to prevent scores of deaths on UK roads. Experts estimate that a 50mg limit would save between 77 and 168 lives a year in England and Wales, which could increase to as many as 300 lives annually by the 6th year.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “We now urge England and Wales to follow the progress that Scotland and Northern Ireland are making in a bid to save more lives across the UK.

“There is conclusive evidence that reducing the drink-drive limit will significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“It's important to remember, however, that any change in the law would have to be accompanied by a campaign to ensure the public understood how a lower limit might affect their lifestyle.”

RoSPA’s mission is to save lives and reduce injuries. Please visit their drinking and driving web page by clicking here for more details and advice on this life saving campaign.