How Social Changes Affects Policy Development- Drink Driving

Question 1

When was the first law passed about driving and drinking?

Answer 1

In 1925, the first law was passed making driving while drunk an offence.

Question 2

What was a problem with the first law that was passed regarding drinking and driving?

Answer 2

there was no clear definition of ‘drunk’ and no legal limit on how much alcohol drivers could have in their blood. So it was left for police and courts to decide if someone was fit to drive.

Question 3

What did the government do regarding drinking and driving?

Answer 3

They showed little interest and did not even bother to collect figures on the number of deaths caused by drinking driving. Meanwhile while the percentage of household owning a car increased, the deaths also increased from 5000 to 8000n in only 10 years.

Question 4

How did the perceptions change?

Answer 4

Due to the increased ownership of cars, the public perception of drinking and driving began to change and so road safety became more of a public concern. For example all new cars had to be fitted with seatbelts.

Question 5

The safety act introduced the blood alcohol limit which was…

Answer 5

80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Until breathalysers was first introduced.

Question 6

What was the tougher law which was introduced about drinking and driving?

Answer 6

A compulsory prison sentence of up to 5 years for the offence of causing death under the influence.