Motorists warned over drug-driving

A new television advertisement warning motorists about the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs is set to launch tonight (August 17th).

The campaign points out that the police are trained to spot people who have got behind the wheel after taking illegal substances. Signs of drug use include dilated or constricted pupils.

Research by the Department for Transport as part of its THINK! safety scheme found that ten per cent of young motorists admitted to getting behind the wheel after taking drugs.

The £2.3 million campaign, which includes online and print advertisements, warns of the potential dangers of driving after taking prescription medicine as well as illegal drugs.

Drinking and driving

The government has changed its mind about reducing the drink and drive limit from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood despite the fact that Britain will become the only country in Europe that allows motorists to have an alcoholic drink and still be legally fit to drive.

The government last year changed its mind about reducing the drink and drive limit from 80 to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

In mainland Europe, the limit is either 50mg or 20mg.

Despite an indication last year that the Government was in favour of moving to a 50mg limit, the road safety minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, said at the time: “Drivers who are between 50 and 80mg are not the ones we are most worried about. It’s the ones above 100.”

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Not only is the current system confusing, but it is a cultural as well as legal acceptance of ‘drinking-a-bit’ and driving.”

Drink driving limits should be reduced

In the Netherlands the limit is 50mg and in Sweden 20mg. Both countries have been more successful than Britain in reducing drink-drive crashes.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products and campaigns for sustainable transport.