Alcohol abuse: here are my solutions for the island

FRIDAY, NOV. 23: Alcohol, when abused, costs us all, personally, socially and economically, even for those that do not drink. Once elected, I will work with my fellow parliamentarians and civil society to:

• Reduce the blood-alcohol limit from 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood to 20 milligrams per 100 millilitres for 18-20 year olds, and to 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres for all other drivers.

There is a significant body of research concerning the effects of alcohol on the human body, and the findings suggest that it is above 60 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood results in impaired reasoning, depth perception and peripheral vision.

These are all factors that may contribute to the costs of alcohol in terms of driving under the influence (DUI).

New drivers, with less experience of both the roads and alcohol consumption, should have a lower blood-alcohol level limit.

• Institute a minimum price per unit of alcohol.

A minimum price per unit of alcohol may help reduce the overconsumption and abuse of alcohol, in that the cheaper the alcoholic beverage, the more likely some individuals are to consume it. Such a policy may help restrict consumption rates among youth, who have a reduced income compared to other groups.

This policy will not stop those who are determined to abuse alcohol, but may reduce a culture of drunkenness and encourage a more responsible relationship with alcohol.

• Maintain an hourly bus-service on the main east and west routes from midnight to 0600hrs.

One factor which contributes to individuals drinking under the influence of alcohol is a lack of alternative transportation options.

While taxis do, for the most part, provide an excellent service, too often they are unavailable or too costly.

Ensuring at least an hourly service overnight we provide individuals with an additional option. This may reduce incidents of DUI, while also allowing individuals to continue to enjoy a night out including alcohol consumption.

Despite an added cost, in terms of operating such a service, the savings in terms of life, health and property may more than justify such an additional cost.  Ultimately, any steps to reduce DUI must ensure that there are alternative transportation options available.

• Legislate mandatory ignition interlock devices (essentially a breathalyser connected to vehicle ignitions - available for motorbikes too) for all drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence.

• Investigate incentives for the voluntary adoption of ignition interlock devices for all vehicles.

Ignition interlock devices attach to the vehicle ignitions of both cars and motorbikes, and may be set to prevent a driver from starting — and operating — the motor vehicle in question, if it detects a blood-alcohol level above the statutory limit.

Individuals convicted of driving under the influence should be required to have interlock ignition devices installed into any vehicles they are likely to have access to.

While these devices are not foolproof, I believe that this policy may reduce the potential to reduce future incidents of driving under the influence. Similarly, by encouraging individuals not convicted of DUI to have these devices installed, we may reduce new incidents from occurring, leading to safer streets for all.

Incentives may include reductions in licensing fees for owners, or, through the private sector, reduced premiums.

• Regular Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints.

Well-publicised and strategically placed roadside sobriety checkpoints on key dates (such as Friday and Saturday nights) may serve as a deterrent to DUI.  Through their high visibility, strategic location and regular operation, these checkpoints may provide a strong incentive for individuals to either reduce their alcohol consumption, or make alternative transport arrangements, such as public transport or designated drivers.

Obviously the above initiatives are not silver bullets which will prevent all abuse of alcohol and its cost to society.

Ultimately, as a society, we need to develop a new relationship towards alcohol consumption, one based on a responsibility to oneself and the wider society.

Jonathan Starling is an independent candidate for Constituency 20, Pembroke South West. For more details about him, his candidacy and platform positions, please visit his website:  www.votestarling.com