Letter to the Editor

As a police officer I saw the misery caused by drinking and driving. That experience was no protection when my 21 year old daughter was killed by a drunken driver.

In our devastating grief, we began to discover that alcohol related deaths and injuries were seriously underestimated in official statistics and drinking drivers were getting away with disproportionate penalties, even after killing someone.

In 1985 the Campaign Against Drink Driving (CADD) was founded by victim's families, since when we have seen many more lives saved through increased breath testing, more appropriate penalties, and growing public support for zero tolerance towards drinking and driving.

Despite this, the victims' families still ask, "Why does the UK limit of 80mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood condone a situation where drivers are 9.5 times more likely to crash their cars than those who have not drunk anything?"

A heartfelt cheer went up in victims' families' homes when the new Labour Government announced that it was considering a lower limit, but this has turned to apprehension over reports of indecision and 'cold feet'. Members of CADD have fought for a reduction in the drink drive limit so that other families should not have to suffer as we did. It would appear that the same vested interests which Barbara Castle so bravely fought thirty years ago are still with us today.

The claim by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association that a 50mg limit will be the death knell for country pubs is no more valid today than it was with similar claims over 80mgs thirty years ago.

I appeal to all readers of Alert to write to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister urging them to end the indecision and introduce a 50mg limit without delay.

Surely a life saved is worth more than a pint of beer?

Graham Buxton MBE