Drink drive limit
- 5 December 2014 10:09275238... Has been reduced in Scotland to just over half of ours, should we follow and reduce ours?Audere est facere.
- 5 December 2014 10:34275239Anything that makes our roads safer has to be a good thing, what worries me is that there is more likelihood of people failing a breath test because of what they drank the night before.
I think I am right in saying that the French brought in a law whereby each driver must carry a breath test kit in their car which would make sure people knew if they were over the limit. - 5 December 2014 10:41275240The French idea Howard was a cost saver for the police to use the drivers screening device rather than one paid for by the police, I believe it is no longer a requirement to carry one. Our limit is the highest in Europe and it is probably right that we cut it.Audere est facere.
- Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
5 December 2014 11:27275243Yes we should follow, the idiots who drink drive now will still take a chance whatever the level is.
I have no worries about people being caught over the limit be it on the day or next morning, I just want them caught before they kill or injure anyone.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
------------------------------------------------------------------- - 5 December 2014 11:41275244The law should be no drink when driving then you know if you have just one drink get in the car you will be banged up and banned from driving for no less then 6years,
- Bob Whysman
- Registered: 23 Aug 2013
- Posts: 1,948
5 December 2014 16:14275261Vic Matcham wrote:The law should be no drink when driving then you know if you have just one drink get in the car you will be banged up and banned from driving for no less then 6years,
It makes sense to me Vic!
Do nothing and nothing happens. - 5 December 2014 17:19275265Thank you Mr Whysman If drive and drink and hit some one then no less then 10years if they die then that turns into life
- 6 December 2014 09:08275275Totally agree Vic.
I also think we need to put an end to that other category of dangerous drivers, the OAP. I really think whilst setting arbitary limits on what people do, we should take the opportunity to ban anyone over the age of 63.5 from driving as they are potentially a very dangerous group.
First of all, many have not gone through the modern day driving test, not really understanding the concepts of the mini roundabout for instance. Secondly, their reactions times are too slow for our overcrowded roads. I for one would rather have roads full of people under the influence of one pint than roads full of OAPs. - Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
6 December 2014 12:55275279dt1,would that go for the 17 to 24 age group as well. - Bob Whysman
- Registered: 23 Aug 2013
- Posts: 1,948
6 December 2014 13:08275280DT1 wrote:Totally agree Vic.
I also think we need to put an end to that other category of dangerous drivers, the OAP. I really think whilst setting arbitary limits on what people do, we should take the opportunity to ban anyone over the age of 63.5 from driving as they are potentially a very dangerous group.
First of all, many have not gone through the modern day driving test, not really understanding the concepts of the mini roundabout for instance. Secondly, their reactions times are too slow for our overcrowded roads. I for one would rather have roads full of people under the influence of one pint than roads full of OAPs.
Most OAP's have the funds to buy full size new cars so mini roundabouts wouldn't interest them too much. Their slow reactions and modern vehicles also keep the insurance premiums high which don't affect a lot of the younger uninsured drivers.......so be grateful .
Obviously, if at 09.08 you are still suffering from the previous night's alcohol intake you would feel that it's OK to drink and drive......hey why not ban drunks from posting on Forums too?!
P.s Time to remove your tongue from cheek as I'm just being stupid too. (another quirk of old age)!
Do nothing and nothing happens. - 6 December 2014 13:38275281I've always thought that 17 was far too young an age to drive, OK most pass the test with very few lessons but most are not mature enough to take their responsibilities seriously. Tragically we have seen locally what can happen.
Currently anyone over 70 just needs a letter from their GP to continue driving, I think periodic re-testing is a better alternative. - Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
6 December 2014 13:46275282I think the problem with many young drivers is that they are not mature enough to realise they are not in a real life computer game so they drive as if they are.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
------------------------------------------------------------------- - 6 December 2014 17:40275288Well I am 72 and I drive better now than I did when working I am not in a rush like I had to be when working, Most OAP are in the class as good drivers but some do drive more slow but is that a bad thing ? If like myself eyes are good.
- 6 December 2014 19:25275292Where the EU goes Scotland goes. Where the EU goes eventually the UK will follow obediently to pass stupid laws such as this latest one where the drink drive limit will eventually reach zero.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions and there is a litany of legislation to attest to that where politicians seek to control every single aspect of our lives in order to save us from ourselves.
So this latest nonsense has nothing to do with saving lives at all. It's not those who drink a small amount within the existing limit who are the problem but those who drink much larger amounts and who pay no heed to the dangers therein. They really are a danger to us and deserve the book thrown at them. Lowering the limit will put perfectly good drivers who have had a tipple the night before in danger of prosecution and the devastating impact that has all because trace amounts of alcohol remain in the system perfectly harmlessly.
Rather like those who claim that one cigarette can wipe years off our life the politically correct health and safety police truly believe that a small amount of alcohol in the system of a driver will inevitably lead to carnage.
It's dog whistle politics for those of a nervous disposition who pose a far greater risk than those with 80 mg. of alcohol in their blood.
Goodbye to the brandy butter at Christmas and the odd sherry watching endless repeats of Morecambe and Wise before setting off in the car back home. Have a happy non-alcoholic Christmas. - 6 December 2014 19:28275293Reference to letter from doctor is incorrect, I recently turned 70 and while I had to apply for a new licence there was no medical info needed. I accept some elderly people's driving is a bit scary, but reference to 65 is a bit extreme. A lot of people are still working at that age and are going to have to continue to do so. If they are capable of working then think it can be argued they are capable of driving. I can bet that my driving record is better than the average 17-24 yr old and yes I do a lot of driving and fully aware of what a mini roundabout is thank you.
- 6 December 2014 19:28275294Reference to letter from doctor is incorrect, I recently turned 70 and while I had to apply for a new licence there was no medical info needed. I accept some elderly people's driving is a bit scary, but reference to 65 is a bit extreme. A lot of people are still working at that age and are going to have to continue to do so. If they are capable of working then think it can be argued they are capable of driving. I can bet that my driving record is better than the average 17-24 yr old and yes I do a lot of driving and fully aware of what a mini roundabout is thank you.
- 6 December 2014 19:43275295I do not agree if the law said no drinking if driving all would then understand, as it is some can get away with it because in some cases it is not the same.
And if you can have only one drink then it is not worth having any.
Well in my days of drinking it was that way, but having no drink now for well over 20years I am glad that I gave it up. - 6 December 2014 20:00275296Facetious maybe, but not stupid.
Bob, my point is that Vic's authoritarian view is not only naive but based on making vast assumptions and generalisations, in much the same way you have of my post. (something I probably encouraged).
I firstly need to say that under no circumstance is it acceptable to drive drunk, endangering other peoples lives in a purely selfish act. I also think that there are very good arguments for the limit to be reduced to the same limits as Scotland. What I don't think is helpful is when people just think that by banning something or passing ill conceived punitive laws, they in some way solve the problem. If something can just be solved in such a way, then I would suggest that it wasn't really a problem in the first place.
It is very simple (almost too simple) for Vic, someone who doesn't drink, to say such a thing but all it demonstrates is a deep misunderstanding based on generalisation. It insults people like my dad (an OAP and competent driver) who will pop into the pub at the end of a day or at lunch for just one pint. He doesn't drink to get drunk, he drinks the weakest beer and enjoys the atmosphere. He will often walk or get the bus if his prime objective is "to go to the pub", but often it is just a "by chance" occurrence. I agree with Phillip in the way people like my dad for instance would/could be treated (although being made to walk to the pub would reduce your carbon footprint
)
Like myself, my dad loves pubs because he likes being around people and he loves beer. I love beer, but not in a way I want to consume vast quantities. I love it in the same way I love cheese or crab or steak and chips. I don't like being drunk (although this has happened) but enjoy a pint, it's taste and I like drinking beer whilst being around other people. Thankfully my local pub is a short walk but even if it wasn't I rarely stay for more than 2, and 1 is normally just right. Anybody who says things like "you could just have a soft drink" or "why don't you just have a beer at home, it's cheaper anyway" is same sort of person that smuggles their own food into the cinema or doesn't let their kids out to buy an ice cream from the van outside because they've got "some choc-ices in the freezer". I know the popcorn is a rip off and I know whippy ice cream doesn't really taste of much but these things are all about rituals experiences and joy. If you are one such person that doesn't find fun in things, my advice to you is don't bother doing anything.
I didn't learn to drive until I was 32. I have always thought cars are dangerous and a waste of money. I love many aspects public transport but the cost of it and a change in my circumstances dictated that I needed more convenience, so I bit the bullet. My view of motoring and cars has not changed.
The real problem with drink driving, or more accurately people driving whilst drunk, is the attitude exemplified in post #13 - the belief by any individual that they "are fine" by their own evaluation. Vic, you then say if can only have one drink then there is not point....now that really is the problem.
As for being under the influence at 9:08; with a 10 month old baby in the house, I have no interest in hitting the town and am more interested in just hitting the sack (9pm last night)...although even before having children late nights have never really been my style.
My other post, albeit tongue in cheek was a reaction to the attitude of 'let's just ban or regulate everything, especially when it doesn't directly effect me'. Drinking and driving should be avoided at all costs but sweeping over simplification of the issue will not change or solve the problem. - 6 December 2014 20:08275299Agree with all of your points Daz, most drivers are responsible and to just ban someone that is technically over the limit because of what he/she drank the night before is not on .
- Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
6 December 2014 20:45275300I do not think it makes any difference if it is the night before or the morning after if you are over the limit you deserve to get nicked as you are a potential danger to the rest of the public.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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