The Government is developing a long-term strategy to reduce road casualties. Within that strategy the reduction of drink-drive accidents will play a major role. Whilst publicity and other measures taken over the years have brought about a slow but steady change in attitudes, there has been little change in casualty figures since 1993 and drink-related accidents still account for around 1 in 7 fatalities. New measures are needed if drink-drive casualties are to be further reduced. The Government has identified three main problem areas: (1) hardened drink-drivers, in particular repeat offenders (around 12% of offenders are convicted of a second offence within 10 years); (2) drivers who are not above the current limit, but nevertheless impaired (studies dating back to the 1960s show convincingly that impairment and the risk of a driver's involvement in a road accident begin, for most drivers, well below the current legal limit); (3) young men, particularly in their twenties, who are disproportionately involved in drink-drive accidents. The Government believes that these problems have to be addressed on three main fronts: (1) improving enforcement; (2) improving the system of offences and penalties; (3) education, publicity and information. This consultation paper presents proposals in these three areas of activity.
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