Lowering the blood alcohol limit will help save lives

“We have campaigned for years for the introduction of effective measures to reduce drinking and driving in Ireland. The literature on the effects of alcohol and driving is extensive and consistent. Just one drink can affect your driving or driving related skills. By reducing the blood alcohol limit from 80mg to 50mg, Ireland is now in line with the vast majority of European countries and will reduce the risk of being involved in a road traffic collision and consequently will save lives and prevent serious injuries,” stated Mary Cunningham, Director of the National Youth Council of Ireland.

According to the Road Safety Authority alcohol is estimated to be the contributory factor in 1 in 3 fatal collisions, while at the current limit of 80mg drivers are six times more likely to have a collision. In addition, approximately three out of every four drivers – an increasing majority – are in favour of the introduction of a lower drink driving limit with two thirds now supporting a zero limit for all drivers.

“The additional proposal to reduce the limit to 20mg for professional, learner and novice drivers is also a necessary and important measure. The aim of the Governments’ Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on Irish Roads by 30%, the successful introduction of this legislation together with high visibility enforcement will help save lives.” Ms, Cunningham concluded.

ENDS

For further information, please contact Clodagh O’Brien, Communications Officer at NYCI on 087 781 4903 or 01 425 5955 or email communications@nyci.ie

Notes to Editors:

National Youth Council of Ireland

The National Youth Council of Ireland is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests of 55 voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.