It has now been 5 years since Scotland reduced its drink driving limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg. England and Wales remain at the 80mg limit, one of the highest drink driving limits in Europe. Only Malta has the same limit.
A survey conducted by AlcoSense found how 4 out of 5 Scots thought England and Wales should lower their drink driving limit to 50mg and come into line with them.
Interestingly, a third of those interviewed went further and thought the drink driving limit should be reduced to zero, in line with countries such as Hungary, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Figures also showed how two thirds of Scottish drivers would now not consider driving even after having a single drink.
“Based on these findings, the number of drivers on Scottish roads with alcohol in their system has significantly reduced”, comments Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of AlcoSense Laboratories.
“The risk of being in a fatal accident increases exponentially as blood alcohol levels rise – even if you are below the drink drive limit.
“With just 10mg (0.10‰BAC) of alcohol in your blood (one fifth of the Scottish limit) you are 37% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash*. Being under the legal limit does not mean unimpaired.
“With so many Scottish motorists converting to driving with no alcohol in their system at all, the roads are safer than before the law change.
“Motorists should either abstain completely or use an accurate personal breathalyser to check they are clear the following morning. Our top range products use the same fuel cell sensor as several UK and European police forces.
“However, although most Scottish motorists have adjusted their habits and now drive when completely clear of alcohol, the number of drink drive prosecutions has stayed relatively consistent over the last five years.
“This is because there will always be a hard core of motorists who drive under the influence, no matter what the law says – whether due to ignorance, arrogance, or social and addiction issues.
“The limit change will not have an effect on these drivers until they are caught – which requires the return of greater Police numbers, more breath tests and a well-funded and consistent anti-drink drive awareness campaign”.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
