Complacency has no place in drinking and driving

It seems that the message is finally through that to get behind the wheel and drive whilst under the influence of alcohol is unacceptable and the numbers of those committing this offence has nearly halved in the last ten years.

Before breathalyser testing began in 1967 it is estimated that around 13,000 people were killed or injured per year as a direct result of drink driving.

In 2006 only 2500 accidents were found to be related to drink and the breathalyser has to be given some credit, although not being entirely responsible for the drop it has at least had a positive influence. That said there are still 40 deaths and 170 injuries per year in Scotland with the numbers over the Christmas period remaining constant. Many drivers still seem to want to take the risk thinking they will get away with it, the majority of those are males over 25 and account for 84% of all people caught.

From last December any driver committing any offence will be automatically breathalysed. It has been noted that many younger drivers are taking a much more sensible approach and do not seem to want to take the risks.

Several ideas are being considered as tougher penalties for persistent offenders, prison sentences or even lifetime driving bans could be introduced.

15 May 2008

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http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Drinking-and-driving-39There-is.4085973.jp