Call for new measures to reduce drink driving in the UK

Road safety groups are calling for more stringent measures to be introduced to prevent drink-drivers from reoffending, following the news that thousands of drivers have been caught driving over the limit on more than one occasion.

Figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency last week revealed that over 27,000 drink-drivers have been convicted of the offence multiple times in the last eleven years across the UK. This shocking figure has led to road safety groups and charities calling for a re-evaluation of the Government’s approach to reducing drink-driving.

One tactic being suggested to increase road safety is to fit repeat drink-drivers’ cars with breathalysers. This equipment stops the vehicle’s engine from igniting if the driver does not pass a breath test, effectively preventing people from driving while under the influence of alcohol. These devices are already used in several countries across Europe, and road safety groups believe they could aid in preventing drink-driving across the UK.

In Scotland, drink-driving is a criminal offence. Punishments for drink-driving include driving bans, prison sentences and monetary fines. However, even with these penalties in place, drink-driving is sadly still rife across the country.

John Dillon, Head of Dispute Resolution at Watermans, says

“Drink-driving can have a devastating effect on lives, both for the innocent victims involved in a collision and those who commit the offence. Any measures that can discourage, reduce or eliminate drink-driving offences on our roads can only be a good thing in the battle to help improve road safety in Scotland.”