Over 25% Drink And Drive

Over a quarter of people in Northern Ireland will drive after having an alcoholic drink, according to new statistics

The Road Safety Monitor published today reveals 72% of people are opposed to drinking and driving in any form.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "These figures concern me. At present more than a quarter of drivers are taking a risk by driving after having one drink. Even small amounts of alcohol impair driving, so thinking that you can have one drink and drive safely isn’t realistic.

"There has been a lot of work done over a number of years to make drink driving unacceptable and now we need a further behaviour change. I have just finished consulting on a draft Bill that will introduce lower drink drive limits and a new graduated penalty regime.

"It also includes new powers for roadside check-points where all drivers could be asked to take a breath test, sending a strong message that testing will become more likely."

Mr Attwood said drivers under 25 hold only 11% of full car licences yet are responsible for 44% of all road fatalities where the car driver was deemed at fault.

He is hoping the new Bill will target this issue by introducing a limit of 20mg/100ml for novices within their first two years of driving.

"I plan to bring this Bill to the Assembly by the end of the year, with a view to the legislation being passed by summer 2013," the Minister said.

"My message is clear - never ever drink and drive."

The 2012 survey was commissioned by the Department of the Environment and designed to examine respondents’ behaviours and attitudes and their awareness of specific road safety issues.

The Executive says it helps monitor the impact of the Department’s education and advertising strategies, while examining community support for road policing enforcement and contributing to road safety tactics.

(IT)