One in eight motorists who test positive for drink-driving falls within the limits which, under legislation proposed by Transport Minister Shane Ross, will result in an automatic diving ban in future.
Figures contained in the latest annual report of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) show that 996 drivers out of 8,007 arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in 2016 recorded alcohol levels that currently only result in a fine of €200 plus three penalty points.
Such drivers had blood alcohol concentration levels of between 50 and 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood and their equivalent in urine and breath tests. The range represents the difference between the current legal limit and the previous higher limit which existed up to 2011.
The number arrested in the 50-80mg/100ml range in 2016 is a 20.4% increase over the previous year when 827 motorists had a certified alcohol level that only resulted in an administrative penalty.
The report shows that 5.758 motorists provided specimens in 2016 which were over the legal limit — up from 5,501 in 2015 — an annual increase of 4.6%.
MBRS director Denis Cusack said that younger male drivers emerge as the most frequent type of motorists suspected of drink driving.
Approximately half of all motorists required to provide a specimen in 2016 were under 34 years.
The average alcohol concentration level in blood and urine samples was over twice the legal limit.
However, when specimens with zero traces of alcohol were omitted, the average results were at least three times the legal limit.
Source: Seán McCárthaigh, 19/01/18
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