Targeted drink drive campaigns work, says IAM

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has today welcomed news that 9,000 drink drivers were removed from our roads during the festive season.

Neil Greig, Director of Research and Policy at the IAM, said: “Targeted enforcement campaigns work, and it is encouraging to see these initiatives improve road safety for all road users. Although there are now fewer irresponsible drivers on the road than there were in 2008, there are still too many people who are prepared to risk their own and others’ lives by driving after drinking or taking drugs. We need more targeted enforcement all year round; safety is for life – not just for Christmas.”

Between December 2008 and January 2009, 183,397 drivers were breath tested - an increase of more than 25,000 from the same campaign in 2007. The typical test failure rate is 4.99 per cent. Worryingly, drivers aged below 25 represented a higher proportion (5.62 per cent) of those who tested positive.

“We don’t want to demonise young drivers, but IAM research has shown that young men are more likely to drink and drive than older motorists. These drivers also have a high risk of crashing and there is a perception among their peers that they can ‘get away with it’. Young people must be convinced that the only way to drive is sober and one way to achieve this is through targeted enforcement,” added Mr Greig.