RoSPA Drinking and Driving Policy Paper 2007

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
Drinking and Driving Policy Paper
Updated May 2007
Alcohol Unit Labelling
EC Regulations now require the labelling of the alcoholic strength of products on their
containers, although it remains difficult for an individual to determine the amount they
have consumed. A clearer method of labelling is perhaps required with standard
units, a more traditional health warning such as on cigarette packets, or quite simply a
message stating: ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’. Publicity and information concerning units
of alcohol should stress the fact that it is not possible to accurately gauge how it will
affect individuals and the only safe limit is zero.
The drinks industry could give clearer advice on alcohol content on labels and at point
of sale in pubs. Research is needed on the best way to convey the message on
alcohol content.
Alternatives to Drinking and Driving
Greater efforts are also needed to help people choose not to drink and drive by
providing alternative options. The price of soft drinks and No or Low Alcohol Drinks in
pubs and restaurants should be lower. The lack of good public transport in rural
areas is often cited as a particular difficulty because it means that people must use
their cars to go to the pub. RoSPA would welcome a more enthusiastic marketing
approach aiming at a positive image and introducing a price advantage to the
consumption of low or no alcohol drinks.
The Portman Group, an organisation set up by the drinks manufacturing industry to
help prevent misuse of alcohol and promote sensible drinking, initiated a designated
driver campaign in 1999. The ‘I’ll be Des’ scheme was then revamped in October
2000, aimed at 18 to 40 year olds, although applicable to all, it encourages people to
designate a driver for the evening when socialising.
A Lower Legal Limit for Young Drivers
Studies have shown that for young drivers their accident risk increases substantially
at blood alcohol levels of 20mg. Lower drink drive limits for novice drivers have been
introduced in some countries (as part of their wider Graduated Driver Licence
Systems) with evaluation studies showing that this results in fewer alcohol related
fatalities in this age group. 20
The proportion of fatally injured 16 – 19 year old drivers who were over the legal blood
alcohol limit rose from 13% to 18% between 1990 and 2002. (The provisional figures
for 2003 show a further rise to 20%). However, the proportion of this age group who
are over the limit is lower than for 20 – 29 year old and 30 – 39 year old drivers.
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