87% of the public say that drinking and driving is extremely shameful. In fact they say it’s more shameful than speeding, shop lifting, adultery and tax evasion.

The UK (0.08) and Malta (0.09) are the only other EU countries with the same or higher drink drive level compared to Ireland.

All of the available evidence from research indicates that reducing the legal limit of BAC from the current limit of 0.08 to 0.05 will reduce the risk of being involved in a road traffic collision, and consequently will save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Ireland is among the highest alcohol consuming countries in the EU according to research published on November 1st 2007 by the Health Research Board.

Any amount of alcohol impairs driving and increases risk – so the only safe advice is to NEVER EVER drink and drive.

The aim of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2007 - 2012, is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on Irish roads by 30%. This means 400 lives could be saved by the end of 2012.

Continue reading: Drunk Driving: Facts & Myths