Why we must ban all drink drivers

TRANSPORT MINISTER SHANE ROSS EXPLAINS WHY STRICTER DRINK DRIVING LAWS ARE NECESSARY AND WHY HE BELIEVES THESE LAWS WILL BE GOOD FOR RURAL IRELAND

WHEN I hear the likes of Deputy Danny Healy-Rae coming out with myths that new drink driving legislation would put the local parish priest over the limit after simply saying Mass, I really have to despair.

And this wasn’t his only classic – he has also said that he would have no problem flying in an aircraft where the pilot has had a few drinks. Rather you than me, Deputy.

And let’s not forget his most ridiculous statement to date – that eating a big meal before driving is as dangerous as drink driving!

In fact, Deputy Healy-Rae’s outbursts on new road safety legislation to come before the Dail in the Autumn would be hilarious if the issue wasn’t so serious.

Let’s get one thing clear from the outset, this Government is NOT changing the drink driving limits. All we are changing is the penalty for those convicted and this change – an automatic three month driving ban – befits the seriousness of the offence.

When Deputy Healy-Rae says that ‘eating a big meal before driving is as dangerous as drink driving’, at least he is acknowledging that drink driving is dangerous.

But his downright refusal to support this new legislation, which could save the lives of many Kerry people over the coming years, is simply baffling.

It is almost as if he is saying drinking and driving is not a crime, or at least a crime not befitting of a disqualification.

Deputy Healy-Rae is a fine public representative for the people of Kerry but I believe he is on the wrong side of the argument and the wrong side of common sense on this issue.

He believes I am on a crusade to isolate people further in rural Ireland. How wrong he is. What I am on a crusade for is to save lives that are needlessly lost every year because people are getting behind the wheel with too much alcohol in their system.

We have a drink driving limit in Ireland of 50mg – anything over that and you are over the limit. There is no argument about that. It is accepted and rigidly adhered to by many.

Up to now, if a driver was caught over the limit between 50mg and 80mg and it was their first offence, they could simply pay their way out of trouble by stumping up for the fine and taking the three penalty points on the chin.

But research has shown that between 2008 and 2012, 35 people were killed in collisions where drivers/motorcyclists had a recorded blood alcohol level of between 21 and 80mgs and were deemed culpable due to alcohol being a contributory factor.

This means between seven and eight people, on average, were killed per year over this period at lower alcohol limits. Put that on your dinner plate, Deputy Healy-Rae, and let it stew.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae, though also opposing my bill, has at least expressed his arguments within the realms of the rational.

Attitudes against drink driving have hardened in Ireland in the past two years. The number of people who say that there is no acceptable amount of alcohol that a driver can consume and be safe has increased from 61% (2015) to 73% (2017).

Far from shutting down rural Ireland, making drink driving offences an automatic disqualification will protect the lives and wellbeing of our families, neighbours, friends and work colleagues in our communities.

It is important to understand the range of issues facing rural Ireland, including rural transport, social inclusion and sustainable communities. In fact, I am aware of one fine example in Deputy Healy-Rae’s constituency where one pub actually provides lifts home for their patrons at weekends.

Promoting the safe use of roads in rural Ireland is an integral policy measure to protect and sustain such rural communities.

The issues are important but the solution is not to be found by allowing people to drink and drive.