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09/04/2009
Drivers May Face Lower Drink-Drive Limits
Drink-drivers beware as the NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson is cracking down on such offences - and may even cut legal limits for alcohol consumption and driving.
He has just launched a consultation on proposals to tackle the issue in Northern Ireland.
"Between 2003 and 2007 an average of 25 people were killed and 119 seriously injured every year in Northern Ireland in crashes involving drivers impaired through alcohol or drugs.
"The tragedy of these deaths and injuries is carried not only by bereaved families but by the entire community. The other tragedy is that they could all have been avoided," he said.
"I intend to do everything in my power to prevent people drinking and getting behind the wheel or on a motorcycle," he continued, highlighting one possible option.
"Reducing the drink-drive limit would bring us into line with best practice in most countries in Europe and the rest of the world where lower limits are the norm," he said.
The United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland both have limits of 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood and, along with Malta, are the only European Union member states which permit drivers to legally drive with more than 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The Minister is therefore seeking views on different options including reducing the limit to 50 and introducing a lower limit of 20 milligrammes for novice and professional drivers.
He also highlighted other proposals including random breath testing powers, changes to penalties for drink driving, and measures to tackle high risk offenders.
He said: "We know impairment begins well below the current drink drive limit.
"My Department has, for many years, worked to convince road users not to take any drink at all before driving.
"I now want to take people's views on the level at which the limit should be set and ways to discourage drink driving and prevent reoffending," he said.
"By announcing this important consultation at this time I hope to reinforce the message to drive safely, not only over the Easter period, which is one of the busiest weekends for our emergency services but throughout the year."
(BMcC)
He has just launched a consultation on proposals to tackle the issue in Northern Ireland.
"Between 2003 and 2007 an average of 25 people were killed and 119 seriously injured every year in Northern Ireland in crashes involving drivers impaired through alcohol or drugs.
"The tragedy of these deaths and injuries is carried not only by bereaved families but by the entire community. The other tragedy is that they could all have been avoided," he said.
"I intend to do everything in my power to prevent people drinking and getting behind the wheel or on a motorcycle," he continued, highlighting one possible option.
"Reducing the drink-drive limit would bring us into line with best practice in most countries in Europe and the rest of the world where lower limits are the norm," he said.
The United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland both have limits of 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood and, along with Malta, are the only European Union member states which permit drivers to legally drive with more than 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
The Minister is therefore seeking views on different options including reducing the limit to 50 and introducing a lower limit of 20 milligrammes for novice and professional drivers.
He also highlighted other proposals including random breath testing powers, changes to penalties for drink driving, and measures to tackle high risk offenders.
He said: "We know impairment begins well below the current drink drive limit.
"My Department has, for many years, worked to convince road users not to take any drink at all before driving.
"I now want to take people's views on the level at which the limit should be set and ways to discourage drink driving and prevent reoffending," he said.
"By announcing this important consultation at this time I hope to reinforce the message to drive safely, not only over the Easter period, which is one of the busiest weekends for our emergency services but throughout the year."
(BMcC)
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Drinkers in Northern Ireland are being urged to take a closer look at their habits this Alcohol Awareness Week, 17-23 June. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Northern Ireland's five Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are asking people to take stock, give themselves an "alcohol MOT" and be aware of the 14 unit per week limit.
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Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
