A new drink-drive advert highlights the significant reductions in drink-driving made over the last 50 years, but that that current figure of 230 a year is still "230 too many".
The history of drink-drive campaigns were reviewed in reports by the Independent and Telegraph, also identifying legislation changes and key developments such as the introduction of the breathalyser in 1967. See here for a montage of drink drive campaigns through the years.
Drink-drive incidents still account for 13% of all road fatalities. The 'Think!' campaign aims to highlight the dangers, as well as a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record if caught.
As from 5th December Scotland's legal blood alcohol limit for driving will be cut from 80mg to 50mg in every 100ml of blood, following new legislation recently passed. Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary said there was "strong evidence that drivers with a blood alcohol reading of between 50mg and 80mg are significantly impaired" as he justified the automatic ban for anyone convicted.
In 2011 it was announced the legal drink-drive limit in England would remain at 80mg per 100ml of blood despite an independent report calling for it to be reduced to bring it in line with most European countries. Instead the Government said it would focus on "improving enforcement and education to tackle the drink and drug drivers who put lives at risk."
Last year a warning that 'morning after’ drink driving was on the increase was reported, with 46% of drivers having no idea or underestimated how long it took for alcohol to leave the body. Typically a healthy body will process around 1 unit per hour, but a wide range of variables such as body size, gender, age and other factors come into play - read more here or see www.morning-after.org.uk
See here for the Think! road safety website, including facts and advice on drink-driving.
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