Mandatory breath testing welcomed

A NEW mandatory breath testing regime to combat drink driving came into force yesterday.

The measure makes it mandatory for gardaí to conduct breath tests at the scene of a collision where someone has been injured and requires medical attention.

The change was introduced by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, who said he hoped it would make “a significant contribution to road safety”.

Moves to reduced the permissible blood alcohol levels for drivers are also to be introduced before the end of the year.

Mr Varadkar also revealed he is considering a number of other moves in relation to road safety. These include the introduction of: a graduated driver licensing system, with increased penalty points for learner and novice drivers;

a requirement for novice drivers who have recently passed a driving test to display “R” plates;

a hazard perception test for the driving test, currently being considered by the Road Safety Authority;

an expert group is examining the possibility of expanding sentencing options available to the courts for driving offences;

proposals are currently being finalised for the roll-out of more of the agreed penalty point offences.

The new anti-drink-driving measure which came into effect yesterday was immediately welcomed by the Irish Medical Organisation. Dr Declan Bedford, the organisation’s public health specialist, said “the implementation of this legislation will save lives and reduce the number of serious injuries and disabilities as a result of road crashes”.