There are numerous ways to help ensure driving is as safe and pleasant as possible – not least of which is taking out cover for car breakdown situations. But the use of alcohol by a minority of motorists still represents one of the biggest dangers, with hundreds of reported deaths and injuries each year from drink driving.
Professor Nutt, of the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, has suggested that breathalysing devices – which do not allow the engine to start if a driver is over the limit – should be installed in every vehicle to ensure that drink driving does not take place. The committee’s research suggests that Britain is facing potentially huge problems regarding the social problems created by alcohol, of which drink driving is a big component.
Professor Nutt was sacked as the previous government’s chief drugs advisor for clashing on policy, but continues to be an influential figure as regards how the nation tackles drug and alcohol use – and abuse.
Adding a breathalysing device to vehicles would of course add to the production cost of each unit, which would not go down well with some motorists – many of whom are already feeling the pinch of high fuel costs. But the ultimate goal – safer roads – is something that few motorists or those in the government can deny is a good idea.
Time will tell if the Department of Transport will come round to the idea. At present it has stated that it has no plans to implement such a move.
Breakdown Cover from 
