A DONEGAL senator has
called for a total ban on alcohol for drivers as a
shocking new survey reveals that 10% of motorists
drive while under the influence.
The Irish Insurance Federation report showed that of
929 motorists surveyed more than 92 admitted to
drink driving.
Sinn Féin's Senator Pearse Doherty said: “This month
Sinn Féin launched its All Ireland Road Safety
Policy in which we proposed a total ban on driving
while under the influence of an intoxicating
substance including alcohol and drugs.
“Motor vehicles become lethal weapons if operated
under the influence of alcohol or drugs and drink
driving is the main contributing factor to single
vehicle collisions and is a factor in more than one
third of all fatal crashes."
Senator Doherty highlighted the recent launch of
Ógra Shinn Féin's peer-led campaign entitled
‘Moilligh Síos’, meaning 'Slow Down'.
“Education also has a key role to play and Sinn Féin
advocates a widespread public education campaign to
accurately inform drivers of the effects of alcohol
on driving capabilities and of the horrors that it
can cause."
He called for "zero tolerance on impaired driving"
and a zero alcohol and drug limit on the roads.
He added: "A zero limit not only reduces the risk of
crashing but also eliminates the confusion that is
currently out there around how much alcohol can be
consumed before one is over the current limit.
"The message should be a simple one – absolutely no
driving under the influence of any alcohol or
drugs.” |
