Survey: Dutch want zero tolerance and alcolock in traffic

Most Dutch citizens want stricter penalties for driving under the influence. According to an Ipsos I&O survey commissioned by the Victim Support Fund (Fonds Slachtofferhulp), among almost 2,200 people aged 16 and older, three-quarters of Dutch people want a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol in traffic. 

In addition, 84 percent want the alcolock to return for repeat offenders. “Technological solutions such as these can prevent the recurrence of violations and save a lot of suffering,” they argue. An alcolock not only protects society but also the driver himself. After all, no one wants to cause an accident.

Stricter approach

Nine out of ten people (89%) favor revoking their driver’s license for repeated violations, four in ten think a fine is appropriate, and one in five is even in favor of a prison sentence. Currently, the maximum permitted limit for alcohol in the blood is 0.5 per mille (approximately two glasses) and 0.2 per mille for drivers who have just obtained their driver’s license.

Alcohol-related accidents

Every year, between 75 and 140 people die due to alcohol driving, while thousands of others are injured. The social costs of alcohol-related traffic accidents are estimated at 653 million to 1.4 billion euros per year.

With the support of a large majority of the Dutch population, the Victim Support Fund calls on policymakers to introduce effective measures against alcohol use in traffic, such as an alcolock, as quickly as possible.

Speeding

Many also see speeding as a significant problem: three-quarters of respondents call it dangerous, and seven in ten think it harms road safety.  Excessive speed is condemned, especially within built-up areas: almost 40 percent call every violation unacceptable. On the highway, only 11 percent thoroughly disapprove of speeding.