Two in five admit to drinking and driving

TWO in five motorists have admitted to drink-driving in the past 12 months, according to a report released yesterday.

As the National Safety Council (NSC) launched its summer campaign 'Arrive Alive!' a Lansdowne Market poll found half of the motorists caught were more than twice over the legal limit.

The survey found 86% of the 500 motorists surveyed backed random breath testing to tackle Ireland's drink driving problem. Half of the respondents also said a zero intoxication limit should be introduced in Ireland.

Yesterday, the gardaí warned motorists who drink and drive will be targeted in a national road safety summer campaign during June, July and August the most dangerous time of the year on the roads. An average of 103 people have died every summer for the last five years and July is the biggest killer month every year.

"Alcohol is a major contributor to this careless carnage. Only continuous, appropriate, high visibility enforcement will change this killing behaviour," said NSC chairman Eddie Shaw.

"This must be backed up by appropriate legislation and an efficient, effective justice system that balances the 'common good' with the constitutional rights of the individual."

The NSC's 'Arrive Alive!' campaign is being run with the cooperation with An Garda Siochana and sponsored by the Irish Insurance Federation.

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy said the risk of making mistakes behind the wheel is increased significantly when alcohol is consumed.

Irish Insurance Federation chief executive Mike Kemp said that Ireland is in the midst of a cultural change on drink driving.

The 'Arrive Alive!' campaign will feature ads on national and local radio warning of the dangers of driving during the summer months.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen ruled out national random breath testing until it is satisfactorily proven to cut road deaths.

However, he said the Medical Bureau of Road Safety has sent 60 evidential breath-testing (EBT) kits to selected garda stations around the country.

The minister added: "Drink driving is not acceptable. Addressing the problem requires a balanced programme involving enforcement, public information campaigns and the application of a range of robust deterrents, including driving disqualifications."

Statistics show that 89% of blood and urine specimens and 81% of breath specimens analysed in 2003 were above the alcohol limit for driving.