'Zero tolerance' for teen drink-drivers
Legal blood alcohol level limit for drivers aged between 17 and 20 should be reduced to zero, chief medical officer says
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Monday, 14, Jul 2008 11:06
The legal blood alcohol level limit for drivers aged between 17 and 20 should be reduced to zero, the government's chief medical officer has said.
Publishing his annual report, Sir Liam Donaldson said the move could help save lives during "risk-taking" adolescent years.
"Adolescence can be a challenging time," he wrote in his report.
"It is a period in which teenagers encounter risks and make hard choices. Young people are exposed to behaviours, opportunities and products that have the capacity to harm their health in the short and long term."
As well as the recommendations on blood alcohol level limits for young drivers, Sir Liam also wants health services to take better account of the specific health needs of teenagers.
He said his 'big six' targets of teenage health in 2008 would be smoking, alcohol and drugs, accidents and violence, diet, physical activity and sexual health.
Sir Liam explained steps should be taken to educate teenagers on the dangers of the above before they become set in their ways.
According to accompanying research, teenagers who binge drink are twice as likely to be dependent on alcohol or taking drugs by the time they hit 30.