Drink-driving laws - Proposals recognise the real world

NOEL DEMPSEY’S proposals for changes to our drink-driving laws are a rational step along the road to making our roads safer for everyone who uses them.

They introduce the idea that fines and penalty points are a more appropriate sanction for first-time offenders caught driving with up to 100mg of alcohol per litre of blood. They bring a degree of humanity to our drink-driving laws. They mean that those dependent on driving for their livelihood will not lose their job because of a first-time, relatively minor breach of the legislation. This is an especially important recognition of reality as so many young, working couples, already under immense strain, live in commuter belts a considerable distance from their places of work.

This moderate concession may not satisfy ardent anti-drink driving campaigners but it is a measure that will restore a degree of reality to our system. It does not diminish or excuse the crime, it just recognises the difference between poor judgment and criminal indifference. This level of penalty depends on an immediate acceptance of guilt. Failure to plead guilty on foot of a negative blood alcohol test will mean going to court.