Drivers back alcohol interlocks to curb drink driving
More than four-in-five drivers in the UK support the introduction of alcohol interlocks to reduce instances of repeat drink driving.
According to RAC research, 82% of motorists support their introduction, with just seven per cent against such use and 12% unsure.
Alcohol interlocks prevent vehicles from being started or driven if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath.
They are already being used effectively in many other countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Support is highest among younger drivers, with 87% of those under 25 and 86% of those aged 25 to 44 keen to see alcolocks introduced, while 73% of drivers aged 65 and over are also in favour of them.
Drink driving
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem. Drinking and driving might be seen as socially unacceptable by the majority, but it’s clear that a small proportion of people are still doing it and putting the lives of themselves and others at serious risk.
“Alcolocks are already in widespread use in other parts of the world and have the potential here in the UK to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions and casualties, and the costs associated with them.
“The fact a huge majority of drivers support the use of alcolocks sends a clear message that they want to see more being done to tackle drink-driving, something the government will hopefully address in its soon-to-be-published Road Safety Strategy.”
