Statisics provided by the Dept. of the Environment (1999) reveal that 1in 7 traffic deaths in the U.K. is alcohol-related.

Approximately 550 people die in drink-driving accidents each year.

In the U.S.A. 1 in 122 licensed drivers are arrested each year for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (U.S. Dept. of Transportation, 1998).

During 1998, nearly a quarter of Australian men and a tenth of women drove while under the influence of alcohol (1999).

In the U.K. the police can ask someone to be tested for drinking if they have reasonable cause to suspect: a). that the person has been driving (or attempting to drive) with alcohol in their body; b). that moving traffic offence has been committed; c). that the person has been involved in an accident.

Drink driving limits: The prescribed limits are 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 ml of blood; and 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 ml of urine.

Offences:

Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs (penalty - 10 years imprisonment and a disqualification of at least 2 years).

Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink (penalty - 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of £5000 and a disqualification of at least 12 months - 3 years if convicted twice in 10 years).

In charge of a vehicle whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink (penalty - 3 months imprisonment plus a fine of £2,500 and a disqualification).

Refusing to provide a specimen (penalty - 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of £5000 and a disqualification of at least 12 months).

High-risk offenders: High Risk Offenders are those who a).refuse to provide a specimen; b). are convicted at two and a half times the legal limit; c). are convicted twice in ten years. In all these cases an approved doctor has to certify that the person does not have a drink problem before the licence can be returned.