Jordan Takes Bold Step to Reduce Drink-Driving, Ratifying New Law Meeting WHO Best Practice Criteria

Strategic Insights -

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has introduced a new drink-driving law, lowering the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, bringing the country closer to global standards. With technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the law meets WHO best practice criteria, significantly reducing the risk of road crashes. Drinking and driving increases the risk and severity of road crashes, and in low- and middle-income countries, 92% of road deaths occur. The new law is a major step forward in efforts to reduce road deaths, building on commendable progress in reducing preventable road fatalities in recent years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jordan has ratified a new drink-driving law that lowers the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, meeting WHO best practice criteria.
  • The law aims to reduce the risk and severity of road crashes, which significantly increases when driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • According to WHO, 92% of road deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where impaired driving increases the risk and severity of road crashes.
  • Jordan is slightly below the global average of 15 deaths per 100,000 population, with an estimated 1514 road traffic fatalities each year and a fatality rate of 13.6 deaths per 100,000 population.
  • The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 notes that only 53 UN Member States meet all three WHO best practice criteria for drink-driving laws.
  • The WHO Drink-Driving Manual for Decision Makers emphasizes the importance of evidence-based, context-relevant laws, robust enforcement, and public awareness to save lives.
  • With WHO support, efforts will focus on ensuring the law is effectively implemented, properly enforced, and clearly communicated to enforcement authorities and the public.
  • Dr Iman Shankiti, WHO Representative to Jordan, emphasizes that Jordan's progress demonstrates what is possible when leadership, evidence, and commitment come together to protect lives and build a safer future on its roads.

Statistics:

  • 92% of road deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. (Source: WHO)
  • 33-69% of drivers killed in crashes have consumed alcohol in these countries. (Source: WHO)
  • Global average of 15 deaths per 100,000 population. (Source: WHO)
  • Jordan has an estimated 1514 road traffic fatalities each year and a fatality rate of 13.6 deaths per 100,000 population. (Source: WHO)
  • Only 53 UN Member States meet all three WHO best practice criteria for drink-driving laws. (Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023)
  • 166 countries report having drink-driving laws. (Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023)

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023
  • WHO Drink-Driving Manual for Decision Makers
  • World Health Organization Jordan