Editorial: Drunk drivers deadly menace

There has been a 17.5 per cent rise in the number of drink-drivers caught on Western Bay roads in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

The government's decision to reduce the alcohol limit for driving was hotly debated before it came into force last year.

Many felt it was unnecessary and that it was another example of a nanny state attempting to control people's lives even though various tests show the old limit allowed many more than the two or three drinks most people supposed.

Under new rules that came into force on December 1 adult drivers who fail an evidential breath test of between 251 and 400mg incur a $200 infringement fee and 50 demerit points.

This week we reported 189 drivers have been fined for driving over the new lower adult alcohol limit, costing them a total of $37,400.

The fines are a further deterrent to any considering driving after a drink or two.

Most people have already cut their alcohol intake drastically as a result. Others have stopped drinking anything when they are driving, so it is disappointing some have not changed their ways.

Overall there has been a 17.5 per cent rise in the number of drink-drivers caught on Western Bay roads in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015.

Western Bay road policing Senior Sergeant Ian Campion says the result is disappointing given all the publicity about the reduced lower-alcohol limits, and the significant ramifications for people when they are caught.

It would be difficult for anyone to argue that they were unaware of the new limits given the level of publicity around the law change.

The police need to continue to take a hard line on this issue. We need to do something to stop the death on our roads caused by drunk drivers.