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Relatives of drink-drivers' victims are welcoming the government's plans to get tougher on repeat drink-driving offenders.
Drivers under 20 years old will soon not be able to touch a drop of alcohol before they get behind the wheel.
A head-on crash that killed 28-year-old Jonathan Keogh in 2006 was caused by a drunk driver with three previous convictions.
And the victim's mother, Ursula Keogh, is welcoming the government crackdown on repeat offenders.
"It's a great thrill to know something has finally happened ... If anything good can come out of Jonathan's death that would be a huge comfort to all of us," she said.
Latest figures show about a quarter of drink drivers re-offend, something the government wants to change with harsher penalties for recidivist offenders.
Interlocks will also become compulsory for repeat offenders, which means drivers will have to blow an alcohol-free reading before the car will start.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce said the interlocks would be paid for by the user.
"And the prices I've seen are in the order of $150 a month."
The government is also targeting young drink drivers, banning 18- and 19-year-olds from drinking anything before they get behind the wheel.
Inspector Heather Wells spends many nights out with the booze buses in Auckland.
And she says young drivers shouldn't be allowed to drink before they drive.
"They do have to concentrate on the roads and this is where alcohol is the problem - it takes away judgements, reaction time," said Wells.
The government hopes over time these changes will mean fewer deaths on New Zealand's roads.
AA "very pleased"
The Automobile Association says it's very pleased with the
government's announcements to tackle dangerous and drink driving,
including increasing prison sentences to up to 10 years if these
drivers kill someone.
The AA also supports the government's announcement that it will
undertake research to ascertain the actual number of serious and
fatal crashes caused by drivers with a blood alcohol level between
0.05 and 0.08.
AA General Manager of Motoring Affairs Mike Noon said the AA also
strongly supports the zero alcohol limit for recidivist drink
drivers and alco-locks to prevent them from starting their cars if
there is alcohol on their breath. Overseas data shows this stops
repeat drink driving, he said.
"Two thirds of drink drive deaths in recent years have been caused
by drivers who were more than double the current 0.08 blood alcohol
limit," said Noon.
"At that level it's hard to stand up, let alone drive. We are
talking about seriously drunk people who are blatantly ignoring the
current rules.
"The public and AA Members have lost all patience with drivers who
have numerous convictions for drink driving. We want them off the
road - they have used up all their chances."
Noon said, "Too many of these hard core drink drivers have been
getting their licences back after their disqualification period
without any alcohol assessment or treatment."
The AA wants the government to commit resources to alcohol
assessment and treatment services, and introduce "drug courts"
dedicated to dealing with people whose offending is linked to
addiction and mental health issues.
Noon said the zero blood alcohol limit for under 20-year-olds sends
a clear message to young people to develop their driving skills and
experience without the complication of alcohol.
Having a lower 0.03 blood alcohol limit for young people has led to
uncertainty about how much they can drink before driving, he
said.
"It's much easier to know you can't drink anything before driving -
there is no confusion, no temptation."
What do you think of the changes to drink-driving laws
and tougher penalties for serious crashes causing death? Have your
say on our messageboard below.
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