Time to tackle real road safety issues

REGARDING the new alcohol limits, we have become so obsessed with drink-driving that common sense has been replaced by urban myths.

Everyone knows that being drunk has an adverse effect on driving, but the effect of alcohol varies enormously between individuals. Some become woozy after a few sips and others are totally unaffected by several pints. But if they can function normally in every possible way, it is plain stupid to claim they are unfit to drive. Before the advent of the breathalyser, police assessment was, quite sensibly, based on tests, slurred speech, the ability to walk straight and balance on one leg with the eyes closed.

Instead of measuring blood alcohol, a machine should be used to test reaction time, eyesight and other factors which affect ability to drive. This would also test for the effects of drugs, tiredness and any other impairment. We now have the insane situation that someone who is sober but over the limit and whose driving is impeccable is treated far more harshly than someone who kills through deliberate reckless driving.