Survey shows Police support lower Drink-Drive Limit
A survey of Police Association members shows eighty per cent (80%) now support calls to lower the drink drive limit. The survey findings, released today, came from the Police Association’s members’ survey, conducted in August by the Nielsen research company. More than 6300 Police officers and employees completed the survey.
Members were asked: “Do you support or oppose lowering the maximum permissible blood alcohol level to drive a motor vehicle from the current 80mg per 100 ml of blood, to 50mg per 100ml (or its breath-alcohol equivalent)?” The 80% who said they would support the move is up from just 62% support in the Association’s 2008 survey.
“Since our 2008 survey, there has been a great deal of debate and discussion about lowering the drink drive limit. The massive increase in support, with a corresponding drop in both opposition and ‘don’t knows’, shows police – like everyone else – have had the chance to consider the evidence and make up their minds,” said Police Association President Greg O’Connor.
Not surprisingly, the survey showed even higher support amongst Road Policing staff (91% support), rural staff (85%), and General Duties Branch frontline staff (84% support).
“This shows overwhelming support from those who, along with other emergency services, are usually the ones who have to deal with the carnage. Police officers believe lowering the drink-drive limit will mean fewer alcohol-related crashes, and fewer families to whom they have to break the news that their loved one has been killed in an avoidable tragedy,” Mr O’Connor said.
The survey also confirmed that 70% of police want to see the drinking age raised to 20 across the board, with another 17% wanting it raised for off licence alcohol purchases. Only 12% wanted to see the drinking age remain at 18. These results were similar to those from the 2008 survey.
Alcohol questions and responses
|
Do you support or oppose lowering the maximum permissible blood alcohol level to drive a motor vehicle from the current 80mg per 100 ml of blood, to 50mg per 100ml (or its breath-alcohol equivalent)? |
2008 | 2010 |
| Support | 62% | 80% |
| Oppose | 28% | 14% |
| Not sure | 10% | 6% |
| Which of the following best describes your opinion on lifting the drinking age from 18 to 20 years of age? | 2008 | 2010 |
| Support leaving the drinking age at 18 | 11% | 12% |
| Support lifting the drinking age to 20 for off licence premises only | 18% | 17% |
| Support lifting the drinking age to 20 for both off licence and on licence premises | 72% | 70% |
About the Police Association Members’ Survey
The Police Association Members’ Survey was conducted online during three weeks in August by the Nielsen research company. All current serving Police Association members were invited to participate. 6306 members completed a survey questionnaire. The maximum margin of error is +/- 1.2%.
