In 2012, 280 people in the UK were killed as the result of a drink driving accident – an increase of a whopping 17 percent on the previous year. Yet despite this, driving while under the influence of alcohol remains legal across Great Britain, providing the blood alcohol level is below the government-enforced limit. In October 2014, the Scottish government announced that it plans to cut the legal limit by almost half in time for Christmas – a decision that comes following reports showing that one in every 10 road deaths in the country can be attributed to alcohol.
What is the Legal Limit?
Currently, drivers in the UK are completely law complaint if they get behind the wheel with less than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml blood in the system. Considering the country’s dedication to increasing the awareness of the adverse effects of alcohol, with charities such as DrinkAware, for example, it is quite surprising to learn that the UK, coupled with a number of other countries, has the highest legal limit – beaten only by Barbados and some parts of Mexico which do not enforce a limit. Even countries which have a reputation for enjoying a tipple with dinner, like France, enforce a limit of 50mg per 100ml. Under Scotland’s new proposal, the legal Scottish limit would be reduced to 50mg, in line with much of continental Europe.
Why Drink Driving Accidents are Increasing
While alcohol awareness campaigns are increasing in the UK, we need to question why the drink driving death rate is continuing to rise. Some people have been blaming the country’s pub culture, and the introduction of ‘supersize’ drinks that are quite deceptive. A study recently found that one in six independent pubs in the UK did not offer a 125ml wine option – a standard glass – despite the law requiring that this should be available in any public house where wine is served. It was also found that many pubs did not openly publicise their 125ml glasses, instead pouring 250ml glasses unless specifically requested. It seems so obvious, but this really is a deceptive method – it makes people think they’ve only had a glass of wine, when really they’ve had two, increasing units from 1.4 for a 11% wine, to 2.8 units.
Taking Extra Precautions
While everyone who has had a drink should take extra precautions – preferably arranging for an alternative method of transport other than driving – there are some demographics, and some situations, which increase the likelihood of an accident. Sussex Police’s Operation Dragonfly found that the warm summer evenings encouraged drink driving just as much as the festive period, and called upon drivers to pay more attention to the amount they were drinking before getting behind the wheel. Additionally, young drivers make up a large proportion of those charged with drink driving offences, perhaps due to a lack of experience on the road, coupled with the excitement of being able to drink alcohol legally outside of the home. The BBC reports that nearly 7000 drivers under 18 were charged for drink driving between 2008 and 2013.
It’s important to remember that, as a driver, you have a responsibility for others, not just for yourself. Drinking and driving puts other drivers at risk, with Sussex Police Superintendent Jane Derrick citing the act as a ‘selfish decision’.
