The Irish Medical Organisation welcomes the Road Traffic Bill 2009 which is due for final stage discussion in the Dáil tomorrow (Wednesday, 7th July 2010) and calls for continued cross party support for the Bill.

Dr. Declan Bedford, former IMO President said; “This Bill will provide for a reduction in legal Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC) level for drivers and provide mandatory alcohol testing of drivers involved in road traffic collisions.”

He said; “All of these will help save lives, reduce injuries and disabilities. The IMO have been highlighting the issue of road safety as far back as 1995. They have adopted many motions and published a number of position papers. Motions adopted included calling for the following:

• Implement legislation to reduce the legal drink driving limit without delay
• Implement legislation for the mandatory testing for alcohol and other substances of all drivers in injury crashes without delay
• Introduce legislation to ensure that all persons guilty of drink driving go for mandatory assessment and are offered rehabilitation.

Dr. Bedford said; “The foundation of our research and policies are identified by IMO members working directly with road trauma patients in hospitals and rehabilitation services, or by public health specialists who observe trends in road traffic accidents and their connection with other health related issues such as the influence of drugs and alcohol.”

Jointly with the BMA [NI] the Irish Medical Organisation also presented a joint document on Road Safety to MEPs at the European Parliament, Brussels in 2007.

“The IMO will continue to advocate road safety strategies through research, submissions and policy to influence change at national level,” said Dr. Bedford.

Ends

For further information contact:
Maria Murphy
Director of Communications &
Public Affairs
Irish Medical Organisation
Tel. 01 6767 273