Lausanne and Neuchatel, Switzerland (20 Minutes, Fre) – Alcohol-related road accidents are on the rise in Vaud, climbing at a faster rate than in other cantons which have recently seen an increase. Traffic accidents where excessive consumption of alcohol is involved fell in the months following Switzerland’s adoption of stricter drink-driving rules. In January 2005 the legally allowed alcohol limit was reduced to 0.5%. From January to September 2007 alcohol-related accidents rose again, 17% compared to the same period the previous year, for all of Switzerland. Vaud led the way, with a 27% increase from January to June of this year, compared to 2006. Geneva, in contrast, had a 6% increase during the same period.

Ed. note: the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention will host a debate 27 November in Bern on the question of banning all alcohol consumption by drivers under age 21. Germany recently adopted this legislation and Horst Schulze, head of traffic security in Germany, is the guest speaker.