Drink driving - zero tolerance?

By Talking Heads on Nov 27, 08 11:52 AM in

WITH Christmas looming, drivers will need to be extra careful when it comes to alcohol.

Every festive season kicks off with a anti-drink drive blitz by police and this year will be no different.

But there's always one constant. Do drivers know the drink drive limit?

As more and more people get caught having one too many or too much the night before, the message certainly isn't clear.

Currently, drivers are allowed 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood and 35micrograms per 100ml of breath.

To some people that could be two drinks when, in fact, one large glass of wine could put them over the limit.

Everyone's different, so a pint of lager might be okay for a tall guyona full stomach, but to a hungry, slight woman that pint could be enough.

This week UK ministers launched a consultation asking the public whether the current law should be changed and the drink-drive limit cut even further.

Campaigners want the limit cut to 50mg per 100ml of alcohol, and it's not a bad idea considering 2946 died in road accidents last year.

This week, The Glaswegian carried out its own consultation with city residents. Here's what they had to say.

Electrician James McConville, 41, from Partick, said: "I think the drink-drive limit should be set at zero. That way there's no confusion or temptation, you can't go wrong with that.

"Most people are unsure what a unit of alcohol is, so it would take away any doubt." Fone-Tastic ownerMartin Lang, 24, from Giffnock, agreed. He said: "I don't understand why people take the chance anyway. If I had even half a pint and drove Iwould be worried.

"Alcohol has a different affect of people, so I think it would make sense to just have a zero tolerance approach."

Retired Margaret Smith, 67, from Whiteinch, said: "I personally don't think anyone should have a drink, even a small one, and then drive.

"If you make the limit zero, people won't be tempted to just a quick, last drink before getting behind the wheel."

Graduate Jacky Graham, 26, from Jordanhill, said: "I think the limit should be zero. Drink affects us all differently, so it's hard to have one law to suit all people.

Things like height and weight make a big difference.

"The sensible thing to do is to take away the alcohol limit and make it illegal to have even one drink. "

Labourer Derek Thomson, 44, from Knightswood, said: "I think it would be a good idea to take the drink-drive limit-away completely. It's stops people popping into the pub for one, but staying for more."

Catherine Gorman, 53, from Partick, said: "I don't see the point in having the current limit anyway. Most people in Scotland don't just have one drink. They like a good drink.

"If you make it zero then it reduces the risk of people going overboard."