Reaching The Limit On Drink-Driving? Government Considers Zero-Tolerance Approach

"Our current drink-drive limit gives a false impression that it is acceptable to mix alcohol and driving - which couldn't be further from the truth. Decisive action is needed to end this blight on our roads and prevent the needless loss of life."1

Following a report published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)2 arguing for the introduction of a zero-tolerance drink-driving limit in 2020, we consider the proposals and whether such a ban should be adopted in the UK.

To drink or not to drink?

The effects of alcohol on driving are well-known and can include:

reduced ability to judge speed and distance; false sense of confidence and increased tendency to take risks; reduced co-ordination and concentration; slower reaction times; and impaired vision and impaired perception of obstacles. Drivers convicted of "drink-driving" face a number of penalties depending on the seriousness of their offending. There is a minimum 12 month mandatory disqualification for all drivers who are caught driving above the legal alcohol limit. Drivers can also face an unlimited fine and a prison sentence.

The consequences of drink-driving can be fatal and the statistics themselves are shocking. Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the four main killers on the road, alongside speeding, non-use of seatbelts and driver distraction3. Over 9,000 people were killed or injured in drink-drive accidents in 2016 in the UK4 and this is mirrored across other European countries, with 25% of all road deaths in the EU being alcohol-related5.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (Scotland has a lower limit of 50 mg). Yet many campaigners argue that the UK's drink drive limit is shockingly high; in fact it is the highest in Europe - no doubt contributing to the myth that one or two drinks is fine for the road. The European Commission recommends a maximum of 50mg/100ml blood, but some countries such as Sweden and Poland have a limit of 20mg/100ml blood - effectively a zero tolerance approach6.

Whilst the temptation may be to judge your own ability to drive after drinking, even very small amounts of alcohol can significantly slow reaction times and therefore increase the risk of crashing. An estimated 65 road deaths per year are caused by drivers who are under the drink-drive limit, but have a significant amount of alcohol in their blood7.

Zero-tolerance approach

The...