Seven in ten Irish people strongly support widescale random breath-testing of motorists, a national opinion poll revealed today.
A total of 86 per cent also strongly believe that individuals must take more responsibility in relation to drinking and driving, according to the survey, which was carried out at 60 locations around the country by Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society).
Some 85 per cent of the public strongly agreed with the concept of a designated driver, the results showed.
Most of those questioned believed a designated driver campaign "has a good likelihood of changing people's behaviour in relation to drinking and driving".
However, 70 per cent also strongly felt that rural transport services are inadequate to facilitate those who want to avoid drinking and driving.
The poll found that antipathy to random breath-testing, while minimal, was more apparent among men and younger adults.
Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of Meas, said the strong public support for random breath-testing is very encouraging in the wake of the appalling and ongoing carnage on the country's roads.
Meas is a drinks industry initiative to combat alcohol misuse and abuse.
PA