All drink driver’s cars will be fitted with interlock devices at their own cost under a new reform of Vic’s road laws. The crackdown on drink drivers is expected to catch about 17,000 motorists a year who exceed the legal alcohol limit. This is a serious issue in a state where 20 to 30 per cent of road deaths are a result of drunk drivers.
The interlocks stop the car’s engine from starting if the driver drinks over the legal limit and attempts to drive.
The Herald Sun newspaper conducted a survey into whether citizens were in favour of the new reforms of not and 83 per cent consented to the increased use of interlocks. The survey convinced the State Government of the public’s support of the interlocks and toughening drink driving laws.
The interlock costs the driver around $400 to install and $160 a month to maintain and also requires the driver to undertake a re-test while driving, cost and inconvenience that I’m sure everyone wants to avoid. And by forcing users to pay, it was a deterrent to drink driving because nobody wants to part with their own money. Use of the interlock device costs $1049 for six months and over a four year period it would cost the person $6509. If a driver attempts to start the vehicle while drunk and the car doesn’t start, the attempt is still recorded. This is an important deterrent as authorities believe that most drink drivers are repeat offenders of will be. In fact 30 per cent of drink drivers will attempt to drink drive again.
Read what this post by HeraldSun.com.au had to say about the issue:
“This will also bring about a strong cultural change and it will save lives,” Mr Ryan told Fairfax Radio today.
“People get killed on our roads not because of accidents – it happens because people make poor choices and the issue here is do not drink and drive.”
The law will apply to all drink-drivers, unless they are able to convince a court “exceptional circumstances” exist in their case.
Interlocks protect not only the community and would-be drink-drivers, but the drink-drivers from themselves
Work has already started on drafting the legislation and the Government will enact it as soon as possible.
“Some may argue these are harsh penalties for drink-drivers,” Mr Ryan said.
“But people should remember interlocks aim to stop more families from suffering the pain of losing loved ones. Interlocks protect not only the community and would-be drink-drivers, but the drink-drivers from themselves.”
Currently, only repeat offenders, drivers who blow more than .15, and those aged under 26 who blow .07 or more have interlocks fitted.
The duration ranges from six months to four years depending on the blood alcohol reading and on whether the driver is a repeat offender.
Read the full story at: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/toughest-clamp-on-drink-drivers-since-booze-bus/story-fnat79vb-1226584586165
This infographic from HeraldSun.com explains more about the interlock:
Source: HeraldSun.com
Recognising the signs that indicate intoxication is vital to people who serve alcohol because as an RSA worker you want to ensure you do not contribute to the problem of drink driving or any other form alcohol fuelled misconduct. The RSA Course is the first step in ensuring your contribution to safer and healthier Australia by helping you recognise your responsibilities and duties according to the law and how to carry them out. If you notice a person is unduly intoxicated or has had a significant amount of alcohol, encourage them to take public transport home or call them a taxi.