11 May 2007

THE HAGUE – Transport Minister Camiel Eurlings said on Thursday that he wants to clamp down on drink driving. He said this in response to the newest figures on drink driving.

The percentage of drivers arrested for being over the limit increased in 2006 for the first time in six years.

Eurlings wants to see the "alcohol ignition lock" introduced in 2008, rather than in 2009 as was originally planned. This device requires the driver to blow into it before the ignition can be started. The ignition is locked if the breath sample contains too much alcohol.

The device is intended for drivers who have been caught in the past at least once with a blood alcohol level of above 1.3 percent, or caught repeatedly over the limit of 0.5 percent. "Three quarters of accidents are caused by this group," said a spokesperson for Eurlings.

The ANWB doesn't think the ignition lock is such a good idea. It says the measure would be easy to evade. "All you have to do is get into another car." The ANWB would rather see authorities keep a closer eye on repeat offenders.

The increase in the number of drink driving offences was strongest last year in municipalities of less than 50 thousand residents. Driving after having a few drinks is more socially accepted in the countryside, says the National Foundation for Alcohol Prevention. "People are more likely to get in the car because of the greater distances to nightclubs."

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Dutch news