July 4, 2024
The British Medical Association, the leading professional body for doctors and medical students in the United Kingdom, has decided to join the “Saving Lives” campaign. This important document, supported by over 20 British medical associations, urges the Government to take urgent action to reduce the harm caused by driving under the influence of alcohol, which these groups believe result in preventable deaths and injuries.
Among the specific measures that the “Saving Lives” document calls for from the Government, is the reduction “as soon as possible” of the legal alcohol limit, currently set at 0.08%. For novice and professional drivers, it is proposed that this limit does not exceed 20 mg/100 ml (0.02%), while for other drivers a limit of 50 mg/100 ml (0.05%) is requested.
Furthermore, it is suggested that alcoholic beverages should be sold with mandatory deterrent labeling similar to that of tobacco. This labeling should include visible information on the health risks of alcohol, as well as the alcohol content in units (and calories) of that specific drink, along with a reminder that there is no safe limit of alcohol intake before driving.
Medical institutions also call on the Government to ensure that individuals who exceed these legal limits and are detected in alcohol and drug tests can be referred to specific alcoholism treatment services. This set of measures aims not only to reduce alcohol-related driving accidents, but also to help individuals receive the necessary treatment to combat their addiction.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
