BMA Cymru welcomes call to lower drink-drive limit

BMA Cymru Wales is very pleased that the North Review is calling for a reduction in the drink drive limit and we urge the UK government to act on the review’s findings.

We have lobbied for a reduction in the drink drive limit for over twenty years, and contributed to the North Review. We believe that such a move will help prevent deaths and reduce the number of lives ruined by drink-driving.

Scientific evidence from around the world has agreed that once a person’s alcohol level goes over 50mg their driving becomes impaired.

A reduction in the limit would also bring the UK in line with most other European countries, and would be in agreement with the best available evidence on the effects of alcohol on driving.

The introduction of the current limit, backed up by police enforcement and TV and media education campaigns, led to a dramatic fall in the number of deaths on the road, but the position has been stagnant since 1993. We need a new impetus to reduce the toll of injury and death.

The BMA is not suggesting a zero limit because there will be cases where an individual would register slightly above zero, even when they had not been drinking (diabetes and the use of mouthwash can both cause an above-zero level). The BMA doubts whether an absolute zero would be enforceable and acceptable to the public but argues that a 50mg level, would be effective and beneficial.

Scientific evidence from around the world has agreed that once a person’s alcohol level goes over 50mg their driving becomes impaired.

We would also like to see roadside random breath tests carried out. This measure is a vital element in deterring people from drinking and driving.

As a road accident doctor and a member of the British Association of Immediate Care (BASICS), I go to road accidents to provide advanced medical care with the emergency services, and I have seen at first hand the awful and devastating consequences of drink driving.

Responsible drinking

As pubs and clubs are gearing up for one of the busiest nights of the year - widely known as “Black Friday”, BMA Cymru are urging party goers to drink responsibly tonight.

Black Friday has become one of the busiest nights of the year for those working in Hospitals and the emergency services in Wales. Hospitals are busy putting extensive contingency plans in place to cope with an influx of alcohol induced injuries.

The combination of the Friday before Christmas, pay-day and binge drinking will put an increased strain on services in Wales.

Anti-social behaviour, violence, and drink-driving will multiply this weekend across Wales due to an increased level of alcohol intake, and in many cases, binge drinking.

Alcohol can be an enjoyable part of social and cultural life especially over Christmas. I've said it before - we are not looking to restrict people from having a choice about consuming alcohol, we just want to encourage adults to drink in moderation, rather than drinking to get drunk.

Sometimes people may not even be aware that they are drinking too much – it is easy to do. It is important to keep track of how much you are drinking.

It is vital that people make alternative arrangements for getting home if they are drinking this weekend. Even driving the morning after can be dangerous as alcohol may still be in the system.

I met with Kate Edwards and Melanie Hamer of Pontypridd Women’s Aid recently who have considerable experience in supporting and dealing with victims of domestic violence. They were extremely concerned that the number of complaints about domestic violence would increase this weekend. Kate Edwards who is the Chair of Pontypridd Women’s Aid said:

“There will be a visible police presence out on the streets prompting some to take their anger out at home.

“It is particularly sad when such incidents occur at a time which is meant to be a happy one. Domestic violence can have a dreadful effect not just on the victim, but of course on the children and it can end up not just ruining their Christmas, but impacting adversely on the rest of their lives.”

So the message from us at BMA Cymru is – enjoy a drink, but don’t overdo it.