It is traditional around this time of year for attention to be drawn to vital road safety questions.

The dangers of drink-driving will quite rightly be highlighted as the festive period approaches. The road accident statistics for 2008 will be published fairly soon, hopefully confirming an ongoing downward trend in fatalities.

Last year, 112 people were killed on our roads, the lowest figure for 60 years.

That total is still far too high, almost equating to a death every three days.

Road safety has been identified as a key priority by the authorities here.

Unlike some policy goals, it is one where we all have responsibilities to fulfil.

When it comes to the scourge of drink driving, too many people are still taking a chance and getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

The ongoing conviction rates are described as “frightening” by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson in the article below.

He is planning to launch a consultation paper very shortly on cutting back the legal drink-driving limit.

While Mr Wilson’s time in office may have had its share of controversy, he will find strong support across the community for this proposal.

His memories of a friend being tragically killed by a drink-driver will also strike a chord.

The current drink-driving limit here is significantly higher than those in Europe. There is no good reason for this discrepancy. Our comparatively high limit also means that a mixed message is sent out on the public safety front.

Drivers are constantly warned that even small quantities of alcohol can impair their judgment.

Only a moment’s lapse of concentration or a split second miscalculation can have fatal consequences.

It cannot help if the law encourages motorists to think that a couple of pints might just be all right. Lowering the limit would also underline the fact that drink driving is socially unacceptable. There is certainly a much greater stigma around the offence than was the case 30 or 40 years ago. Those who are continuing to take a chance must be doing so in the belief that they will not get caught.

This clearly presents another challenge to the authorities, particularly the PSNI.

A fear of detection must be imprinted in the minds of would-be drink-drivers, whether they are living in towns, cities or villages. The police, of course, cannot be everywhere. And the much-improved security situation means there are far fewer checkpoints on our roads nowadays. The PSNI can nevertheless still be pro-active, and make best use of the patrol resources at its disposal.

The public has a role to play too. If you see a drink-driver heading off from the car-park of your local, get on your mobile and report him or her immediately. Staying silent and looking the other way is in no one’s best interests — including the driver.

Let’s not forget that drink-driving is not the only cause of death and injury on the roads. Speeding is a major problem, and is still regarded as acceptable behaviour by far too many people. That should be the next target for Minister Wilson and his Department.