Madam, - As coroner for several years in Donegal North East, I am too well aware of the tragic consequences of drinking and driving. However, blood alcohol levels of between 50mgs and 80mgs per 100ml rarely, if at all, figure at local inquests. Looking back over several years, the more likely level is in excess of 200mgs per 100ml.
A recent article in the London Timessuggested that by reducing the permissible level to 50mgs, as has been suggested for this jurisdiction recently, between 15 and 30 lives might be saved per year. This figure, adjusted for our much smaller population, would indicate a reduction in our death rate of between one and four lives per year.
I strongly agree with Mr Gay Byrne, chairman of the Road Safety Authority, that lowering the limit is not the solution. The solution must be that drivers should expect to be breathalysed on a regular basis. Drivers who have had one or two pints are not the problem. Reason and science, not emotion, should inform this debate. - Yours, etc,
JOHN MADDEN,
Coroner,
Donegal North-East,
Carndonagh,
Co Donegal.