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January 8, 2002
NEW DRINK-DRIVE LAWS NEEDED SAYS RoSPA
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is calling on the Government to introduce a new package of measures to combat drink driving following the publication of figures for the Christmas and New Year period.
RoSPA said it was disappointed that the percentage of drivers testing positive after crashes had increased– the figure was far too high and the worst for the last four years.
The Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland said that police carried out more breath tests than last year during the holiday period and the percentage of those testing positive rose slightly.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “We are pleased that the police have apparently increased drink-drive enforcement activity because it is crucial that offenders realise they will get caught.
“But because of the increase in positive tests, it underlines the need to consider new ways to cut the drink-drive menace, particularly in the light of reports that younger motorists are now ignoring the safety warnings.”
RoSPA would like the Government to introduce:
- A reduction in the drink drive limit from 80mg to 50mg
- Increased police powers to stop and test drivers
- More use of rehabilitation courses for offenders
- Continued high-profile publicity and education campaigns
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