Doctors backing tougher drink law

Tuesday 29 May 2012

DOCTORS have welcomed plans to make motorists in Scotland face tougher drink-driving laws that will put some drivers over the legal threshold after just one glass of wine.

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Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said proposals to implement a limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood in place of the current 80mg would be published later this year and made law "as soon as possible".

Supporters of the move claim it could prevent up to 40 deaths on Scotland's roads every year but the change would put Scotland at odds with England and Wales, where an independent report recommending a lower limit was thrown out by the Transport Secretary last year.BMA Scotland, which represents members of the medical profession, said the move by the Scottish Government would be a "significant step forward" in improving road safety.Dr George Fernie, a member of the BMA's Scottish Council and practising police surgeon, said: "Doctors see and treat the tragic consequences of avoidable road accidents caused by drink driving and therefore believe that there is no excuse for keeping the level at 80mg."Almost every European country has a 50mg or lower limit. Every death represents a family tragedy and every serious injury can be devastating for the person involved and their relatives."The simple message should be 'don't drink and drive'. This measure will mark a significant step forward in improving road safety in Scotland."

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Doctors backing tougher drink law

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