A government commissioned report has called for the drink-drive limit to be reduced from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg. This would be expected to save 168 lives in the first year, about 7% of UK road deaths, and bring the limit in line with most European limits.
Sir Peter North who conducted the review suggested that a 50mg limit would still mean most drivers would be able to have a drink and be within the limit. North said there was support for a lower limit:
"Research conclusively shows the much higher risk posed by drink driving. With a blood alcohol level between my proposed new limit of 50mg/100ml and the current 80mg/100ml limit, a driver has a six times greater risk of road death than a non-drinking driver. The public is ready for a lower limit."
Some countries including Poland and Sweden have even lower limits of 20mg, whilst the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary have total bans on drink-driving. A BBC magazine article discusses arguments for and against a total ban.
According to a Guardian article, the transport secretary Philip Hammond said he would "carefully consider" the report but would balance it against the possible damage to the drinks industry. See BBC report here or a NICE summary of the evidence here.
In response to the recommendations, Alcohol Concern's Don Shenker said: “Given its commitment “to taking tough action to tackle problem drinking” as underlined earlier this month by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, we hope to see the Coalition Government implement these recommendations as soon as possible.” See Alcohol Concern's press release here.
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