Get tougher, say students

Good news - the drink-drive limit for drivers under 20 will be zero if the Government follows through with its action plan. But that doesn't go far enough, says Students Against Driving Drunk national manager Julie Elliotte.

Nor does raising the driving age, which will just shift the crash graph.

"If changing the driving age to 16 is the only thing to happen people will just die on the roads a year later.

"If testing and driver education is improved during learner and restricted periods that would make the biggest difference," she says.

International experience proves time behind the wheel is more important than age in determining a young driver's safety.

SADD surveyed 200 students on how many hours they spent behind the wheel on their learner licence.

"For a significant number practice was used as bribery - do your chores and you'll get to drive - and there was a huge variety in experience," Elliotte says.

"Some only had 10 hours and very few had the recommended 120 hours."

As for changes to blood alcohol levels, she's rapt.

"You can ask any driver of any age how much they can have to drink and still be safe to drive, and the answer will not be reliable. This takes the unknown away and sends a consistent message."