Top police officials support call to change drink-driving limit.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has formally joined the increasing calls for a reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to improve road safety.
The aim of this
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland currently have the highest legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving in Europe, set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
In contrast, Scotland lowered its legal limit to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in December 2014.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ (APCC) leads on road policing and addictions and substance misuse are jointly supporting the British Medical Association’s (BMA) call for a reduced drink-driving limit.
In June 2024, the BMA released a consensus statement reflecting the views of various organizations, including medical professional bodies, alcohol and road safety charities, campaign groups, and representatives from the police and emergency services.
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The results of drunk driving
The statement explains the reasons behind their support for lowering the legal alcohol limit for drivers, citing evidence that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Joy Allen and David Sidwick, APCC leads for addictions and substance misuse, along with Sarah Taylor and Marc Jones, APCC leads for roads policing, stated:
“Too many families have suffered a devastating loss due to drink-driving, with around 300 people losing their lives each year in collisions involving a driver over the legal limit.
“Even a small amount of alcohol can severely impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. To save lives and improve road safety, it is crucial to reinforce the message that any alcohol consumption before driving is a risk.
“By backing the BMA’s call to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for driving, we are making our stance clear: If you drink, don’t drive. Through collaboration with law enforcement, medical professionals, and public safety campaigns, we are committed to reducing alcohol-related harm on the roads and tackling the dangers posed by reckless and irresponsible drivers.”
The results of drunk driving
The statement explains the reasons behind their support for lowering the legal alcohol limit for drivers, citing evidence that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Joy Allen and David Sidwick, APCC leads for addictions and substance misuse, along with Sarah Taylor and Marc Jones, APCC leads for roads policing, stated:
“Too many families have suffered a devastating loss due to drink-driving, with around 300 people losing their lives each year in collisions involving a driver over the legal limit.
“Even a small amount of alcohol can severely impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. To save lives and improve road safety, it is crucial to reinforce the message that any alcohol consumption before driving is a risk.
“By backing the BMA’s call to lower the legal blood alcohol limit for driving, we are making our stance clear: If you drink, don’t drive. Through collaboration with law enforcement, medical professionals, and public safety campaigns, we are committed to reducing alcohol-related harm on the roads and tackling the dangers posed by reckless and irresponsible drivers.”
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