RISE IN SUPPORT FOR REDUCING DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT
The AA has conducted a major survey of motorists’ opinion which shows that
support for reducing the drink drive limit has increased. According to
responses collected from 7,000 Irish motorists over the October bank
holiday weekend, 63.9% are in favour of reducing the alcohol limit to 50
mgs, an increase of almost 3% on the 61.1% approval rate when a similar
poll was conducted last year. 27.9% of respondents are opposed to the
change.
That figures shows that support for the measures is reasonably uniform
across the country. It is strongest in Dublin at 66.3% approval and is
weakest in Cork 58.1% approval. The data also show that support was
strongest among females (71.5% overall) and among over 65s (67.5%).
“Any way you slice it, it is abundantly clear that Irish motorists
understand the drink driving issue and want to see the limit lowered into
line with limits elsewhere in Europe and beyond.” Says Director of Policy
Conor Faughnan.
The poll results will come as encouragement to Transport Minister Noel
Dempsey as he seeks to steer legislation through the Oireachtas to give
effect to the proposed change.
AA Motorists Panel Survey (October 23rd to 26th 2009) ~ Extract ~
The government has proposed reducing the legal drink drive limit from its
current 80 mgs level to 50 mgs. Please mark the extent to which you are in
favour or against this policy.
Completely in favour 56.1%
Somewhat in favour 11.4%
Neutral 6%
Somewhat against 8.9%
Completely against 17.6%
Males Only: 46.9% &13% yes, 12.0% & 19.3% no
Females only: 56% & 15.5% yes, 11.5% & 10% no
Regional variations:
Dublin only: 52.1% & 14.2% yes, 11.5% & 14.1% no
Cork only: 43.8% 14.3% yes, 13.5% & 19.7% no
Connacht / Ulster: 46% & 14.6%, 12.8% & 18% no
Leinster not incl Dublin: 50.4% & 14.3% yes, 11.6% & 15.8% no
Munster not incl Cork: 50.9%, 11.7%, 11.8% & 17.3% no
17-24 yrs 61.3% yes, 33.2% no
25-35 yrs 66.8% yes, 22.7% no
36-45 yrs 63.8% yes, 27% no
45-55 yrs 61.8% yes, 28.1% no
55-65 yrs 61.9% yes, 30.8% no
Over 65 yrs 67.5% yes, 26.5% no