This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6762585.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Women drink-drive numbers rising | Women drink-drive numbers rising |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The number of women found guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs rose by almost 60% in nine years, the Liberal Democrats have warned. | The number of women found guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs rose by almost 60% in nine years, the Liberal Democrats have warned. |
| Figures for England and Wales revealed by the party suggested there was an increase in all age groups - from 6,793 in 1995 to 10,765 in 2004. | Figures for England and Wales revealed by the party suggested there was an increase in all age groups - from 6,793 in 1995 to 10,765 in 2004. |
| This is a 58% rise of 3,972, compared with a slight fall among men. | This is a 58% rise of 3,972, compared with a slight fall among men. |
| The government is considering lowering drink-drive limits. The Lib Dems said women drivers needed to be targeted. | The government is considering lowering drink-drive limits. The Lib Dems said women drivers needed to be targeted. |
| 'Socially unacceptable' | 'Socially unacceptable' |
| The research also suggested that, during the same period, the number of women aged under 30 found guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs rose from 2,636 to 3,863 - an increase of 47%. | The research also suggested that, during the same period, the number of women aged under 30 found guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs rose from 2,636 to 3,863 - an increase of 47%. |
| This compared to the number of men of all ages, which dropped by 0.25%, and the number of men aged under 30, which rose by 4%. | This compared to the number of men of all ages, which dropped by 0.25%, and the number of men aged under 30, which rose by 4%. |
| Lib Dem transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "Instead of focusing drink-driving campaigns only on men, these figures show women also need to be targeted. | Lib Dem transport spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: "Instead of focusing drink-driving campaigns only on men, these figures show women also need to be targeted. |
| "Drinking and driving must remain socially unacceptable." | "Drinking and driving must remain socially unacceptable." |
| The party also said provisional estimates suggested that, comparing the 1996-98 average and figures for 2005, there was a 6% increase in the number of people killed in reported drink-drive accidents. | The party also said provisional estimates suggested that, comparing the 1996-98 average and figures for 2005, there was a 6% increase in the number of people killed in reported drink-drive accidents. |
| The estimated number of people killed in non-drink-drive accidents fell by 12% during the same period. | The estimated number of people killed in non-drink-drive accidents fell by 12% during the same period. |
| Government proposals | Government proposals |
| The government is considering lowering the drink-drive limit to the equivalent of half a pint of beer. | The government is considering lowering the drink-drive limit to the equivalent of half a pint of beer. |
| Ministers are looking at whether to drop the legal limit from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, in line with European standards. | Ministers are looking at whether to drop the legal limit from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, in line with European standards. |
| It would be roughly the equivalent to a half pint of strong beer or one 175ml glass of standard wine - depending on body size and other factors. | It would be roughly the equivalent to a half pint of strong beer or one 175ml glass of standard wine - depending on body size and other factors. |
| The government will hold a consultation on drink-drive laws later this year. Have you been found guilty of driving under the influence of drink or drugs? Or do you know somebody who has? Contact us by filling in the form below. name="say"> |