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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

News Release - Strong public support for action on drink and drug-driving


Road safety charity Brake and Direct Line today reveal an overwhelming cry from the British public for Government action to curb the menace of drink and drug driving.

The call comes in the same month as the findings from an inquiry on drink and drug driving by Sir Peter North for the Department for Transport are due to be published.

More than 9 out of 10 drivers (92%) surveyed by the charity and motor insurer support the introduction of a new anti drug drive law to enable prosecution of anyone driving on impairing drugs, similar to the law on drink driving. At the moment, a prosecution can only be brought against a drug driver if the police also have evidence the driver was driving badly.

Drivers are also overwhelmingly in favour of a lower drink-drive limit, with more than 7 out of 10 (71%) agreeing that the current limit of 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood should be cut. Research indicates that someone driving with this much alcohol in their blood is five times more likely to crash than if they were driving without any alcohol in their system.

More than half of drivers (55%) support Brake and Direct Line’s calls for a low limit of 20mg alcohol per 100ml blood. . . . . .

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