Drink driving and the first ban.
In 1872 the first ever drinking ban came in and, believe it or not, it was to stop you being drunk in charge of a horse, steam vehicle, carriage or cattle. Drink driving in Britain has always been an offence, however a taxi driver from London, George Smith was the first convicted motorist. He was arrested after he crashed in to 165 New Bond Street, London in 1987. He was fined 25 shillings (£1.25), however, he didn't loose his license as they weren't invented until 1903.
Britain's road deaths are the lowest in Europe compared to Greece, Spain and France.
We may however, need a different strategy to reduce accidents and casualties on our public roads. Reducing the speed limit to 20 mph may help, but it will not stop drink drivers.
How alcohol affects your awareness and reactions depends on your size, weight, sex and the amount of a chemical called dehydrogenase in your body. This fights off the alcohol.
To me anything that interferes with safe driving, be it drink, drugs, mobiles, tiredness or loud music should not be tolerated and there should be zero tolerance.
Related Links:
Road Safety Week - 21st - 27th November 2011. The theme for ths theme is"Too young to die".
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