How’s My Driving? - Safe Driving Blog Tips
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Did you know that England and Wales have the highest drink-drive limits in Europe? Every year, over 200 people lose their lives in drink-driving related crashes, and a further 1,600 suffer serious injuries. These scary statistics have prompted the British Medical Association (BMA) to launch a campaign to reduce the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for drivers across the UK.
The current limit
Currently, drivers in England and Wales are permitted a BAC of up to 80mg/100ml. This limit is significantly higher than in many European countries, where the standard is 50mg/100ml or lower.
The BMA's recent campaign advocates for a reduction of the BAC limit to 50mg/100ml for all drivers, and an even stricter limit of 20mg/100ml for new and commercial drivers.
The impact
Alcohol can impair judgment, slow down reaction times, and reduce coordination - all of which are critical for safe driving. With over 200 fatalities and 1,600 serious injuries annually are attributed to drink-driving, simply lowering the BAC limit could significantly decrease the number of drink-driving incidents, making the roads safer for everyone.
Benefits
- · Enhanced road safety: Reducing the BAC limit to 50mg/100ml aligns with international standards and has the potential to save countless lives and prevent serious injuries on UK roads.
- · Clearer guidelines: A lower BAC limit would provide clearer guidelines for drivers, helping them understand the severe implications of driving under the influence and encouraging responsible behaviour.
- · Protecting all road users: Stricter limits for new and commercial drivers would offer additional protection, considering their increased exposure to road risks and their responsibility for passenger safety.
- · Wider resource considerations: Reducing drink-driving incidents could help reduce the burden on healthcare services.
- · Mental health: Reducing the limit will have a knock on effect on both physical and mental wellbeing and health. Potentially reducing alcohol intake.
Challenges
While the proposed changes are expected to enhance road safety, they also come with certain challenges:
- · Public awareness: Increasing public awareness about the new limits and the dangers of drink-driving is crucial for successful implementation, such as educational campaigns and strict enforcement.
- · Enforcement: Ensuring that the new limits are effectively enforced will require coordination between law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and other stakeholders.
- · Support for drivers: Offering support and resources for drivers, such as accessible public transportation options and awareness programs, can help mitigate the impact of stricter limits on their daily lives.
Fleet managers
Fleet managers play a pivotal role in promoting safe driving practices. By incorporating the new BAC limits into their policies and providing regular training and awareness programs for their drivers, fleet managers can contribute significantly to road safety. Implementing zero-tolerance policies for commercial drivers can further ensure compliance and protect lives of all road users.
At How's My Driving?, we're dedicated to fostering discussions that drive positive change in road safety. The BMA's campaign to lower drink-drive limits is a significant step towards safer roads in the UK. We invite you to join the conversation in our
LinkedIn: how do you think these changes will impact road safety and driver behaviour?
12 June 2024