IAM calls for drink-drive rehab • All convicted drink-drivers should
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attend rehabilitation courses before they are allowed back on the road, says the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Its call comes as the Government launches its Christmas campaign against drinkdriving. This year's £2m campaign is aimed at the highest risk group. males between 17 and 24.
The IAM says mandatory enrolment would significantly contribute towards changing the behaviour of the minority of hard-core drinkers who ignore any advice. It is also calling for confidential tip-off hotlines, more effective policing and wider powers for targeted breath testing.
The latest Government figures show drink-drive fatalities fell from 900 in 1987 to 540 in 1997—currently 15% of road deaths. However, Government research shows changes in attitudes. Those claiming to leave the car at home when going drinking rising from 54% to 79%. In 1997 the 189,000 vehicle users breathalysed after road-injury accidents had a 4% failure rate, compared with 1 7% of the 65,000 in 1987.