-
Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
A zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 and repeat drink-drivers is on the way under a major overhaul of New Zealand's driving laws.
Cabinet has today signed off on a package of measures designed to significantly reduce the impact of drink drivers and target driving offences that cause death.
But the government has backed away from lowering the limit at which people over 20 years old can drink and drive. That stays at a blood alcohol limit of 80 milligrams - at least for now.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce said alcohol was a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes and current policies were not having a big enough impact, particularly where repeat offenders and young offenders were concerned.
Legislation will be in place by early next year to introduce a zero drink drive limit for recidivist drink-drivers and drivers under 20 years of age; much tougher penalties for serious offences causing death and drink-driving causing death; and alcohol interlocks for repeat drink-drivers.
The interlocks require drivers to breath test themselves before their car will start.
Cabinet has also asked for more work to be done on penalties for the most serious repeat drink-drive offenders.
"By targeting those identified as most likely to break the law - namely those with a history of offending and young people - we're confident we'll have a significant impact," Joyce said.
The Minister said the government intended to make a final call on whether or not to lower the legal blood alcohol limit after conducting New Zealand-specific research on the level of risk posed by drivers with a blood alcohol limit of between 0.05 and 0.08.
"Part of the research will be about ascertaining the actual
number of serious and fatal crashes caused by those drivers with a
blood or breath alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.
"The government will make a law change to allow that data to be
collected by police in these crashes."
This research will be carried out over two years following the law change.
The current limit means a man can drink about six standards drinks over 90 minutes or about three quarters of a bottle of wine, while for women, it's about four standard drinks or half a bottle of wine.
Joyce said the argument around the adult blood alcohol limit was a finely balanced one.
"We need to ensure that New Zealanders understand the difference between 0.05 and 0.08 and what the likely impact a change would have on the road toll.
"Most New Zealanders, when asked, agree that the drink drive limit should be at a level of alcohol consumption that equates to a 0.05 limit. However, when you ask them whether the current 0.08 limit should be lowered to 0.05, they are split on the issue."
Joyce said it's clear that there was a sizeable drink-driving problem in New Zealand.
"If we can get it under control, we'll see a significant reduction in the overall road toll."
Experts said Australia saw big gains with a lower drink-drive
limit.
"It has overall reduced accidents and injuries on their roads
because people start making decisions about how much they will
drink and whether they'll drive or not," said Gerard Vaughan of the
Alcohol Advisory Council.
Prime Minister John Key said the limit may eventually come down in New Zealand, but perhaps fearing a public backlash, it would not be before the election.
Tougher penalties for the most serious crashes
Joyce said tougher penalties for drivers causing death recognised the serious nature of those crimes and would make roads safer.
Cabinet has agreed to strengthen penalties for drink/drug driving causing death, dangerous/reckless driving causing death, illegal street racing causing death and failing to stop after a crash when someone is killed.
"Officials have reviewed penalties for these offences and found they are low when compared with other crimes. The public have also expressed this view," Joyce said.
The maximum prison term for dangerous/reckless driving causing death would be doubled to up to 10 years in prison.
"With imprisonment penalties for these offences last reviewed in 1962, these changes are well overdue. Tougher sanctions will bring these penalties in line with other similar serious offences and with penalties in other jurisdictions."
Charges of manslaughter or murder would remain as an option for police in cases that warrant them.
Joyce said the changes would ensure offenders are dealt with appropriately when they drive recklessly and cause the death of another New Zealander.
What do you think of the changes to drink-driving laws and penalties for serious crashes? Have your say on our messageboard below.
Latest NZ News Video
-
ONE News Minute 9am update: May 26 (1:00)
-
Kids cough up $14m for Government (1:50)
-
Education ministry 'barbaric' (1:55)
Add a Comment:
Post new commentlute said on 2010-07-27 @ 21:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why on earth does the govt think we need "more local research" on this issue? Do they think somehow NZ drivers have some magic immunity to the effects of alcohol that drivers overseas don't have. What poor decision-making. I can only assume the alcohol lobby is behind this.
Steinie said on 2010-07-27 @ 09:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
At the moment the limit is 0.8 and they catch 30000 drivers a year, so if they dropped to 0.5 they would probably catch 100000 drivers over the limit a year. And if they dropped it to 0 as some stupid people think it should be, then there wouldn't be to many cars on the road. The limit should stay where it is, as its doubtful you would show any signs of being drunk below this level. Y not drop the open road speed limit to 30kphr that will stop road deaths (not going to happen because its stupid)
maretamarsters said on 2010-07-27 @ 09:05 NZDT: Report abusive post
The government should lower the alcohol limit down to zero limit for under 20 and seriously consider the same for over 20. Otherwise, what is the point in advertising 'If you drink then drive then you are a bloody idiot' for? Just do it!
philipmcc said on 2010-07-26 @ 20:52 NZDT: Report abusive post
Once again we have a government unwilling to do any more than tinker with the issue, in ways that won't upset too many people. The myth is being perpetuated that the problems are created by a few who 'can't handle their likker'. So let's punish them rather than deal with the biggest drug problem we have - the massive abuse of alcohol - including among our politicians.
sparkles42 said on 2010-07-26 @ 19:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree with the kiwi,zero tolence then there would be no drinking and driving