A Warwickshire-based alcohol and drug charity is calling for better education and clearer messages about the dangers of drink and drug driving (Birmingham Mail).
Swanswell, a national alcohol and drug charity, believes in a society free from problem alcohol and drug use.
The charity spoke out in response to DfT figures showing that the number of drink drive collisions on Britain’s roads increased by 26% in 2012 compared with 2011.
In an article in the Birmingham Mail, Debbie Bannigan, chief executive of Swanswell, said: “We welcome attempts made over the years to try and tackle driving under the influence, but we think more can be done to educate drivers in the first place, such as through more prominent information in the driving theory test.
“Alcohol and drugs affect people in different ways but no matter how small an amount you might have before getting behind the wheel, judgement is affected and the risk of causing serious injury or even death is very real.
“We shouldn’t forget that the victims are not just the people who have been drink or drug-driving – passengers, other road users and pedestrians are also put at risk. People often tell us after attending our Drink Impaired Driver’s programmes that they would never have got behind the wheel after drinking, if they had known the risks, which suggests more extensive alcohol or drug education would work.
“Ultimately, the only way to be sure you’re not over the limit and putting yourself and others at risk, is not to drink or use drugs at all before driving.”
Swanswell’s viewpoint is echoed by Mike McAdam, founder and trustee of Don’t Be That Someone, a not-for-profit campaign which calls for more driving education for young people before they are old enough to get behind the wheel.
Mr McAdam said: “If the Government really want to see deaths, injuries and collisions reduce they need to target pre-drivers to change their fundamental attitudes so they don’t drink and drive in the first place.”
Click here to read the full Birmingham Mail report.
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