Media Release:  26 July 2010

AA supports tougher penalties for dangerous and drink driving

The AA is very pleased with the government’s announcements today 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 says the AA also strongly supports the Government’s announcement that it will introduce a 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.

“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,” says Mr 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.

“We know that 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.

“There are drug and alcohol courts overseas that assess and treat people who have addiction and mental health issues. These courts can be very effective if they have good treatment and support programmes that they can refer people to. It’s encouraging to hear that Auckland is getting its first court of this type and we’re hoping to see more around the country.”

Regarding the zero blood alcohol limit for under 20-year-olds, Mr Noon says it 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. It’s much easier to know you can’t drink anything before driving - there is no confusion, no temptation.”

However, the AA believes there must be a reasonable tolerance to allow for issues like mouthwash or testing equipment inaccuracy so that young people do not get unfairly caught out, and that people under 20 who are below the current youth limit of 0.03 blood alcohol should get a fine and/or demerits rather than a criminal conviction.

The AA has endorsed a UN resolution for a Decade of Action for Road Safety and is committed to contributing more to road safety initiatives in New Zealand.

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