The Government believes New Zealand drivers aren't ready to moderate their drinking. We know they are. So take responsibility for keeping our roads safe by signing up: Two Drinks Max.
- Sign up at nzherald.co.nz here
- Sign up on Facebook here
- Use #2DrinksMax to show support on Twitter
This country's drink-driving limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - the same as Britain and the United States - but Australia and most of Europe use a limit of 50mg per 100ml, also referred to as a 0.05 limit.
Only Parliament can change the law. But we can help change attitudes. Our campaign will encourage people to regulate themselves, and to not drive if they've had more than two drinks.
Breakfast radio host Mike Puru explains why he is supporting the Two Drinks Max campaign:
Do you support lowering the drink driving limit to 50 mg?
Yeah absolutely, I think two drinks is a nice number. It's a good, easy
limit to stick to. It's a standard limit that people will understand, just like if you go over 100km you know you are going too fast - if you go over two drinks you shouldn't drive. My wife and I have a rule where you simply don't drink anything if you're the one driving. If we're out for dinner I think it's within reason to have a glass of wine with the food though.
So will to you pledge our name to the HOS campaign?
Yes.
Why is it important to get behind this campaign?
It's just too easy to die on our roads. I know taxis are bloody expensive but we need to sort out our statistics. I personally would drop any of my friends home if they needed a lift after drinking. We need to train future generations too, and the two drink rule is easily taught.
Have you or your friends or family been involved in a drink driving crash or been a victim of one?
When I was 12, we had a boarder living with us. We were down in Gore and he was coming home from a rugby game when the car crashed. It was one of those open, country roads. There was four guys in the car and they were all completely drunk. All of them were killed, and from that moment on I was aware of the dangers of drinking and driving. I think it scared my dad too, he actually stopped drinking.
Has drink-driving affected your life?
Tell us your story.