RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
September 30, 2004
RoSPA CALLS FOR CUT IN DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT AFTER DEATHS
RISE
The Royal Society for the Prevention
of Accidents called for Government action after figures published today
revealed a two-per cent increase in the number of people killed in drink-drive
accidents. There were 560 drink-drive deaths in 2003 – the highest
number for seven years.
RoSPA believes the drink-drive limit should be cut from 80mg to 50mg
– a move that could save 50 lives and 250 serious injuries a year.
The Society also wants to see the police given wider powers to breath
test as it believes people would be less inclined to flout the law if
they feared they could be tested anywhere and at anytime.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “All the evidence
points to the road safety benefits of reducing the drink-drive limit.
We believe there would be wide public support for this and are frustrated
that the Government continues to oppose a measure which would save lives.
“After years of successful campaigning we are now facing a situation
where drink-drive deaths are on the increase again and something has
to be done before things get even worse.
“The likely introduction of a Road Safety Bill this autumn provides
an ideal opportunity for the Government to act.”
The estimates for deaths in drink-drive accidents in 2003 were published
by the Department for Transport today. They also show a fall in the
total casualties in drink-drive accidents from last year to 19,010,
but the figure is still higher than it was 13 years ago.
RoSPA has already expressed concern that overall deaths on Britain’s
roads rose from 3,431 in 2002 to 3,508 last year – up two per
cent. The biggest problem was with deaths among motorcyclists –
up 14 per cent.
Kevin Clinton said: “The figures are very disappointing and of
great concern. It is the first time deaths have risen above 3,500 since
1997. The good news is that child and pedestrian casualties are down,
but we still have a serious problem with motorcyclists and drink-driving.”
