The Chief Executive of MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society), Ms. Fionnuala Sheehan welcomed the recent introduction of the Road Traffic Act 2006 saying “The international evidence suggests that enforcement of random breath testing is likely to significantly reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries. Enforcement will, however, need to be visible and sustained if its impact is to endure”. She expressed disappointment that provision had not been made for testing of illicit and prescribed drugs and said “Testing drivers for illicit and prescribed drugs, as well as testing for alcohol must be part of a more comprehensive random testing initiative in Ireland.”

The Road Traffic Act 2006 provides for mandatory alcohol testing as well as more severe penalties for drink driving offences. Those who refuse to give a breath test also face up to two years disqualification.

Earlier this year, a nationwide opinion poll undertaken by MEAS found that 70% of people strongly support random breath testing of motorists. The survey also found that 85% of the public strongly agree with the concept of a designated driver and 86% of people strongly believe that individuals must take more responsibility in relation to drinking and driving. Click here for the full findings of the nationwide survey.

Ms. Sheehan also went on to say that “The public needs to be supported in practical ways to encourage sensible decision making around driving.  Designating a non drinking driver when socialising is one such measure. Providing alternative transport options is another.” Ms. Sheehan commended Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland Summer 2006 Designated Driver initiative which is running from the 17th of July to the 13th August 2006. This campaign will allow the Designated Driver of a group of 2 or more people who abstains from alcohol, up to 3 free soft drinks from the Coca-Cola Bottlers portfolio.

The campaign is being supported by a number of key organisations, including MEAS, Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI), Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), Beverage Council of Ireland (BCI), and the Irish Nightclub Industry Association (INIA).

Go to www.ccbi.ie to search for participating premises in your local area.

Additional Information

Road Traffic Act 2006 provisions relating to Drink Driving are:

- Mandatory breath testing for alcohol in a targeted manner.

- New fixed charges for certain drink driving offences being made available to people who have not been convicted of a drink driving offence in the previous five years. This will only be allowed once to any motorist in any period of five years.

- Drivers found to have a blood alcohol content of 100mg or less per 100ml of blood have the option of paying a fixed charge of €300 and a 6 month driving disqualification or face court proceedings.  The same applies to the equivalent alcohol level in urine or breath.

- Minimum period of disqualification following a drink driving offence will on conviction be 12 months.

- If convicted, drivers found to have a blood alcohol content of 100mg or less per 100ml of blood, are disqualified from driving for 12 months.  Those on a second or subsequent offence are off the road for two years. The same applies to the equivalent alcohol level in urine or breath.

- Drivers found to have a blood alcohol content of over 100mg and up to 150mg per 100ml of blood face conviction in Court and if convicted, disqualification of two years for first offence and four years for second or subsequent offences.  The same applies to the equivalent alcohol level in urine or breath.

- Drivers found to have a blood alcohol content of over 150mg per 100ml of blood face conviction in Court and if convicted, are off the road for three years for a first offence and six years on second or subsequent offences.  The same applies to the equivalent alcohol level in urine or breath.