Media Release: 4 October 2013

AA welcomes Government decision to lower the drink driving limit

The Automobile Association today welcomed the Government’s announcement that it intends to lower the legal drink driving limit from 0.08ml per 100ml of blood to 0.05ml.

“It is fantastic news that will save lives and make our roads safer. We congratulate the Government on its decision to implement a .05 limit. Research in New Zealand and overseas shows that at the current .08 limit drivers are far too impaired to safely drive.” says AA Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

“Recent surveys of AA Members and the wider public have shown that around two thirds of respondents believe that the .08 limit was too high and that it’s time to get tougher on drink driving.”

“Lowering the limit will reinforce the risks of drinking and driving to the public. The AA hopes it will have a similar effect to the zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20 which has seen the number of young drink drivers fall by 22%.”

The AA also supports the Government’s announcement that drivers detected with a blood alcohol level between .05 and .08 will be issued with fines and demerit points rather than face a criminal drink driving charge.

The AA would also like to see the Alcohol Interlock Programme expanded and more assessment and treatment for repeat and high BAC level drink drivers.

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