Safety-conscious manufacturer...
Safety-conscious manufacturer Volvo is seeking permission to let drunken motorists use its cars. The firm wants to try out its latest innovation, which measures reaction time, but Sweden"s strict drink- drive laws are getting in the way. Having a tipple before hitting the road is prohibited in the Scandinavian country, even if driving at a proving ground.
The number of accidents...
The number of accidents attended by cops between 18 December last year and 2 January 2005 where drivers tested positive was down. But it was only 0.16 per cent less than in the 2004 festive season - despite a high-profile ad campaign throughout the celebrations.
Brunstrom, the chief constable of North Wales, said: "I reiterate my belief that it"s time the Government followed the European Commission recommendation that the blood alcohol limit be lowered from 80mg to 50mg."
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA"s road safety head, agreed, pinpointing the forthcoming Road Safety Bill as a way to change the law and allow breath tests to be carried out more easily.
He told us: "We are one of only four countries in the EU with a level above 50mg. Ministers must act to cut the limit now and prevent more needless deaths on our roads."