Statement

DRINK DRIVING FIGURES SHOWS NEED FOR FURTHER MEASURES  

Posted on: December 21, 2009

“The news that detections for drink driving have gone up 15% this winter is a worrying development that shows that we cannot be complacent in the fight for road safety. While part of this increase is undoubtedly due to the added priority that has been given to this issue by the police, it is extremely concerning that a small but dangerous minority still seem to think that it is alright to drink and drive. 

Although there has been an extremely successful campaign waged against drink driving over the years by the Police, the DOE and Lyle Bailie, it seems that there a small group who seems impervious both to common sense and the danger that they are posing to themselves and others. Drink driving remains one of the main causes of road deaths, and too many families this Christmas, in North Down and further afield, will have to go without a loved one because of the criminal disregard of others. While education needs to be persisted with, it is clear that this is an insufficient deterrent for this small minority. Education must be re-inforced by increased penalties, lower drink driving limits, and continued focus by the PSNI. Only then can we clamp down further on the tragedy of roads deaths in Northern Ireland.”