Kerre Woodham: Shameful lesson not forgotten

Photo / Janna Dixon

I learned my lesson about drink-driving more than 15 years ago.

On the way home from work as a maitre'd at a Wellington restaurant, I was stopped in a routine check and breathalysed.

I thought I would be fine and said as much to the cop; as it transpired, I was over the limit and got the quinella - six months' disqualification and a $600 fine.

When I'd worked as a journalist, I had covered a number of trials so I knew my way around a courtroom, but it's quite a different experience being in the dock.

It was shaming and humiliating, not just for me, but for my family who had to read all about it in the papers.

I count myself lucky though. Thank heavens I got the message without hurting anyone or, God forbid, killing someone.

Today the Herald on Sunday has kick-started a campaign to get the blood alcohol limit lowered from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 50mg and I want to express my support for that.

Enjoy a drink with your mates. It's one of the great pleasures in life.

But if you're heading out on the lash, keep the car at home.

Click here to find out how to sign up to Two Drinks Max.