In a bold move to enhance road safety, the UK road safety charity Brake has launched a campaign to ban the consumption of alcohol before driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This initiative seeks to clarify the law and drive a significant change in public behaviour to make drink-driving a relic of the past.
The rationale behind Brake’s zero-tolerance campaign
Each year, drink-driving incidents result in the tragic loss of over 200 lives and serious injuries to an additional 1,600 individuals on UK roads. With England and Wales having the highest maximum drink-driving limits in Europe, there is a dangerous misconception that driving after one or two drinks is safe. However, even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving abilities and increase the risk of a crash.
Key facts highlighting the dangers of drink-driving:
- A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 50-80mg per 100ml of blood is six times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver who has not consumed any alcohol.
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have the highest maximum drink-driving limits in Europe, with a legal BAC of 80mg/100ml of blood.
- Young and newly qualified drivers are particularly at risk of crashes when under the influence of alcohol.
- Drink-driving is often associated with other high-risk behaviours, such as speeding and not wearing seatbelts.
- Alcohol impairs critical driving functions, including reaction times, coordination, vision, and the ability to judge speed and distance.
Brake’s call for action
On June 17, 2024, Brake joined forces with the British Medical Association (BMA) and other organizations to advocate for a reduction in the legal BAC limit for drivers. The current limit in England and Wales is 80mg/100ml, which Brake and the BMA propose to reduce to 50mg/100ml, with an even stricter limit of 20mg/100ml for new and commercial drivers.
Michelle Martell, regional case manager for Brake’s National Road Victim Service, emphasized the personal tragedies caused by drink-driving at the campaign launch in London. She shared the story of Stephen, whose brother Tony was killed by a drunk driver travelling at 65mph in a 30mph zone. This story, along with insights from doctors and police, highlighted the extensive impact of drunk driving on communities and resources.
Lucy Straker, campaigns manager at Brake, stated, “We are proud to be a part of this consensus calling for a reduction in the legal limit for alcohol when driving. Road death is sudden and traumatic. It sends shock waves across families, communities, and workplaces, and changes lives forever.”
Recommendations from the BMA consensus statement
The consensus statement developed by the BMA and supported by Brake includes several key recommendations:
- Mandatory labelling of all alcohol products to inform consumers.
- Sufficient and targeted funding for police to enforce drink-driving laws effectively.
- Enhanced alcohol and drug testing at the roadside to deter and catch offenders.
Victims’ Voices Campaign
In conjunction with the zero-tolerance initiative, Brake is also running the “Victims’ Voices” campaign, where road victims share their experiences of how crashes have impacted their lives. Stephen’s story is a poignant example, illustrating the devastating consequences of drunk driving. His brother Tony was killed, and Stephen, along with his brother-in-law, was severely injured when a drunk driver hit them at 65mph in a 30mph zone.
Brake’s comprehensive approach, combining stricter legal limits with powerful personal testimonies, aims to eradicate drunk driving and prevent further tragedies on UK roads. By advocating for zero-tolerance and amplifying the voices of victims, Brake strives to create safer roads for everyone.
Read more about Brake´s initiatives (UK, 2024)
Read more about the Alcohol, drugs and driving consensus statement
Alcohol Awareness 