Book Description

18% of all drivers killed in road accidents are over the drink-drive limit (In 2007, based on coroners' data.) but only approximately 3% of drivers in the UK are stopped and tested for alcohol compared to the European average of 16%.. This report calls for the police to be given an additional power to permit preliminary breath tests as part of any designated drink drive enforcement operation. Currently, the police may stop any vehicle but can only test the driver's breath if there is an element of suspicion. There is concern that a reduction in the blood alcohol concentration limit would send out mixed messages but that the aimed for effectively zero limit is too great a step at present. Instead, concentration should be on stricter enforcement of the current limit and public education. It is felt that the success of Great Britain's drink driving policy to date is largely attributable to the deterrent effect of the current 12-month mandatory disqualification penalty and the Committee supports retaining that penalty. The committee also calls for the improvement of the detection of drug driving and to strengthen public perception about the likelihood of drug drivers being caught by the police. The Government's commitment to install drug screening devices in every police station by 2012 is welcomed though this interim measure should not eclipse the Government's aim over the medium-term to develop and type-approve a drug screening device for use at the roadside, drawing on relevant experience of doing this in the other parts of the world