Zero tolerance the only way to police drink-driving

IN response to Michael Job (Letters, August 26), I would like to strongly disagree with his claims regarding drink-driving.

He claims that some driver’s can drive impeccably while under the influence of seven drinks, while others may be unfit after a couple of sips.

His logic is inherently flawed and fundamentally unsound. He claims old fashioned tests like walking in a straight line or standing on one foot could be more accurate or effective than the breathalyser.

In my opinion, zero tolerance is the only way to police drink driving.

It has been proved that drink-driving causes numerous deaths on our roads and destroys the lives of countless families.

If a member of the gardaí finds someone with any level of alcohol in their system, they should be arrested for drink-driving without exception. This would save confusion over alcohol limits and would ensure police time is spent wisely.

This, in turn, would take the option away from people who contemplate taking a drink and running the risk of being over the limit.

The ‘sure one more won’t put me over’ mentality would be eradicated from society and motorists would be forced into abstaining from drinking while in control of a vehicle.

Very strict penalties should be implemented for even the most minute levels of alcohol, while checkpoints should be more regularly in operation.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly