The introduction of a tougher drink drive limit in Scotland in 2014 ‘did not lead to any reduction in road accidents’.
That’s the key conclusion from a presentation delivered by Dr Jonathan James, a researcher from the University of Bath’s Department of Economics, as part of the 2021 Festival of Road Safety.
Dr James’ presentation, which is now available to watch via the Festival website, outlines the findings of a study published earlier this year which looks at the effects of the reform.
The study draws on data from January 2009 (pre-reform) to December 2016 (post-reform) – comprising more than 1.2 million collisions.
Dr James said: “In this paper, we have evaluated the reduction in the blood alcohol content law… and we do not find any reduction in road accidents or in drink drive crime.
“The evidence is pretty robust and strong.”
The presentation also looks at why the lower limit has failed to bring with it a reduction in road collisions.
It notes that the reform was ‘accompanied by no unequivocal change’ in availability and use of alternative means of transport (bus and taxi).
It also touches on enforcement, noting that there was no change in either the numbers of police officers or breath tests administered.
Dr James said: “We don’t find a ramping up of enforcement, we don’t find a change in the environment with respect to transport availability – so in a sense, these are the two reasons why the law wasn’t as effective as it may have been.”
Public-private partnership
Today’s second presentation looks at how Dorset has expanded its road safety education journey through secondary school – via a public-private partnership.
The presentation is being delivered by Christine Sharma, road safety manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS).
It explains how the service has, in partnership with Arval UK, developed seven interventions for secondary schools, five of which are available for free nationally.
Meanwhile, today’s Festival workshop – hosted by Agilysis and titled ‘Safe Roads for All’ – will be available for catch up via the Festival website later in the week.
There are also three more live sessions taking place this week and registration remains open for all three:
Wednesday 17 November • 14.00 – 14.45
Evidential breath tests – a smarter future (presentation)
PACTS is running a competition to encourage companies to develop ‘roadside’ breath-testing equipment. In this presentation, David Davies will give a progress report and explain the way forward for evidential breath tests.
More info
Click here to register
Thursday 18 November • 14.00 – 15.00
GB Road Safety Performance Index Launch (webinar)
This Agilysis webinar marks the launch of the GB Road Safety Performance Index, a new report and accompanying data tool from The Towards Zero Foundation. Examining road safety performance over three decades, the report highlights the cost of inaction over the last decade and how it has resulted in excess deaths and injuries. Presented by Dan Campsall and Tanya Fosdick with guest speakers Jessica Truong and David Davies.
More info
Click here to register
Friday 19 November • 10.00 – 10.30*
Innovating for safer roads in London: Mercedes-Benz Road Safety Dashboard (presentation)
This talk will present the Mercedes-Benz Road Safety Dashboard, which has been developed by Mercedes-Benz Urban Mobility Solutions division together with Transport for London (TfL). This digital tool has the potential to identify higher risk locations prior to an incident taking place.
More info
Click here to register
*This session was originally scheduled to take place on Thursday 18 November, but has been moved to Friday 19 November.
For more information about the Festival contact either Nick Rawlings or Edward Seaman by email or on 01379 650112.
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