Media Release from CrossRoads – for immediate release

Tuesday 27th 

CrossRoads congratulates Government for new rules targeting repeat drunk drivers

A lobby group that has campaigned for better measures to prevent repeat drunk driving has congratulated the Government for today’s announcement.

CrossRoads is made up of several families who have had family members killed by recidivist drunk and drugged drivers.

The group say the new initiatives represents sensible progress which targets the worst offenders and values the innocent lives of those killed by such offenders.

“At last New Zealand is getting serious about reducing the unnecessary carnage and shattered dreams caused by drunk drivers,” says CrossRoads spokesperson Ursula Keogh.

“We applaud the introduction of a zero BAC for second time offenders, the introduction of interlocking devices and the increased penalty for drunk driving causing death.

“The public have made it clear that they should not have share their roads with recidivist drunks, and politicians are listening and taking action. This government is taking a stance which sends an unequivocal message to these offenders – the law  will no longer tolerate repeat drunk drivers’ lethal habits.”

CrossRoads also welcomed the introduction of alcohol interlocking devices.

 “Alcohol Interlocks are not the sole panacea for fixing this country’s drunk driving problems– but they represent victory for prevention.  These devices literally stop drunk drivers in their tracks and reduce the opportunities for drunk drivers  to kill and injure innocent members of the public.”

Interlocks are an educational tool for those capable of learning, and they will help address the increasing problem of youth drunk driving in New Zealand, says Mrs Keogh.

“We hope that interlocks will not stigmatized as a punitive measure for first time offenders. Combined with education and treatment courses,  they will offer successful pathways  for many young drunk drivers to change their behaviour and become  safe and responsible road users.”

However, CrossRoads emphasised that  many offenders who repeatedly flout the law and squander opportunities to correct their habits will need to be permanently removed from the road, even if that meant sending them to prison

“There is a type of hard core recidivist drunk driver who persistently demonstrates a depraved indifference to the safety of others. These recidivists will look for ways to abuse the system, so the system will need to be tougher on these ticking time-bombs.

“If the worst offenders ignore interlock requirements and treatment options they should face a custodial penalty which guarantees that they will never take a vehicle on the road again.  In short, if repeat offenders won’t stand for being locked out – then they should be locked up,” concludes Mrs Keogh.

ends

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