Zero Alcohol Limits for Drivers?

Police are calling for a lower alcohol limit for drivers in New Zealand. Obviously, just one death or injury in a vehicle accident is one too many and moves to reduce this are to be applauded, although I think this is not the right step to take.

When comparing road deaths and legal alcohol limits to other countries, there is no discernable pattern for lower road deaths and lower limits.



From my own experiences, I think that the issue is not so much the law but the culture of driving. There is is a mentality of ownership of the road - that "other" users should be subserviant to our needs while on the road. What needs to be changed is the underlying attitude to driving - not so much the laws governing road use.

Those who prove they are irresponsible should not be let loose again - it's my view that if you can't drive a car safely, a court should be able to order that you are not to drive a vehicle above a certain power (not engine size - as you can make a 1300cc car quite powerful with the addition of turbos and other performance equipment).

I also think that the current system of assessment for drivers is woeful - you just need to prove you can control a car for thirty minutes when you are fifteen and then you're set for life.