A ROAD SAFETY group has written to all members of the Oireachtas asking them to support proposed legislation to introduce lower drink-drive limits and mandatory testing for motorists at crash sites. The letters from Public Against Road Carnage (Parc) cites research from Dr Declan Bedford, acting director of public health at the HSE, who found the risk of a fatal crash is four to 10 times higher for drivers with a blood alcohol level of between 50mg and 79mg. The current limit of 80mg in the Republic is one of the highest in Europe.
The Road Traffic and Transport Bill 2008 came before Cabinet in recent weeks and a spokeswoman for the Department of Transport said it "is hoped to have the Bill published early next year".
The deadline set for the introduction of the new lower limit is the end of June 2009, which is close to the local and European elections.
Susan Gray, founder of Parc, said the group is sending "letters to all TDs and Senators to push them to ensure there are no more delays with the legislation. It will save lives".
In a recent feasibility study, the Road Safety Authority recommended a new limit of 50mg and a lower 20mg limit for drivers on a learner permit.
Dr Bedford's research found almost one in every three fatal crashes in which 1,015 people died between 2002 and 2005 were alcohol-related.
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