Car Insurance News
IAM: Motorists back tougher regulations on drink driving
26 July 2012
The risk posed by drunk drivers to law-abiding car insurance policyholders is creating widespread support for tougher sanctions for this offence.
A new survey from the Institute of Advanced Motorists has revealed that 80 per cent of British drivers believe repeat drink drivers should have their vehicles seized and sold off, or else broken down for scrap metal.
Half of those polled think this punishment should also be meted out to those found driving several times over the limit, while 57 per cent of respondents said they deem the current system of penalising drink drivers to be too lenient.
The IAM study revealed that UK car owners would also back a reduction of the legal alcohol limit - almost two-thirds want to see it dropped to a maximum of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, while 28 per cent would go so far as to endorse a zero-tolerance policy.
It was also shown that the majority of motorists have faith in their own ability to adhere to any legal limit, with 79 per cent stating that a decrease in the limit wouldn't affect their enjoyment of a night out.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: "The support is there for tougher treatment of drink drivers.
"Not only do the majority want a lower limit, they also want tougher punishment for those that break the law, especially the worst offenders who present the greatest danger to other road users, their passengers and themselves."
Last month, road safety charity Brake cited a reduced drink driving limit as one of the key measures the government should be considering in order to improve safety for road users.
The organisation also proposed the introduction of more 20mph speed limit zones in residential areas, as well as a graduated driving licensing system for younger motorists that would encourage them to gain as much experience as possible.
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