Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol related issues, welcomed the passing of legislation this week lowering of the drink driving limit and allowing for mandatory alcohol testing in injury-related accidents.
The Road Traffic Bill 2009 reduces the drink driving limit from a blood alcohol concentration of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml blood to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml, while the limit for learner and professional drivers has been cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 20mg. The Bill also provides for mandatory alcohol tests following a road crash where someone is injured.
“Under new legislation drivers found with blood alcohol concentration levels between the new lower alcohol limits and the existing one — between 50mg and 80mg — face a €200 fine and three penalty points rather than a driving ban,” said Alcohol Action Ireland director Fiona Ryan.
Ms Ryan called for the legislation to be dealt with swiftly in the Seanad and for the Bill to become law as soon as possible to ensure greater safety for all road users.
