FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Alcohol Action Ireland
Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, is once again appealing to every member of the Oireachtas to help save lives and reduce injuries on Irish roads by supporting the Road Traffic Bill.
If passed, the Road Traffic Bill will reduce the drink drive limit from 80mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood to 50mgs and make alcohol testing mandatory at the scene of all road collisions.
Speaking in advance of the presentation of the Road Traffic Bill, Acting Director Cliona Murphy said: “We are disappointed that there was early resistance from a small, vocal minority to the Bill. However the ongoing public debate has been constructive in highlighting the role that alcohol plays in our lives and the view that the Irish cannot socialise without a drink in our hand.”
“A recent survey from the AA underlines the extent of popular support for reducing the drink drive limit, with two-thirds of respondents agreeing that the drink drive limit should be reduced to 50mgs.”
“TDs and Senators now have the opportunity to consider the overall public view and not just that of their constituents. A reduction in the drink drive limit is vital for the protection of every member of the public using our roads. Surely this is more important that one person’s “right” to enjoy a drink and then drive.”
“The proposed legislation to reduce the drink-driving limits will not prevent people from rural communities going to the pub. What it will do is make our roads safer for all road users.”
“Alcohol Action Ireland acknowledges the concerns some Oireachtas members have about lowering the drink drive limit – but the evidence supporting a reduction in the limit is both robust and irrefutable.”
“Research[i] has proven that there is a substantial increase in risk of being involved in a road collision once the drink drive limit exceeds 50mgs. There is a substantial risk to all road users for even one driver to get behind the wheel with over 50mgs of alcohol in their blood,” concluded Ms Murphy.
For more information please contact:
Jo Fox, Communications Officer on 087 995 0186
or
Cliona Murphy, Acting Director on 087 219 5723
[i] Compton et al, 2002
