Regional Transport Committee calls for lower blood alcohol levels

The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee is supporting a possible Government move to reduce the Blood Alcohol Consumption limit from 80mg/100ml (0.08) to 50mg/100ml (0.05).

Committee chair and Environment Canterbury councillor Jo Kane said that the committee resolved over a year ago to support a reduction in the limit as a key initiative in bringing down the road toll.

“We have the data that shows compelling results in countries that have taken this step,” said Cr Kane. “Putting off the change to undertake further research could cost lives, which would be disastrous. The committee resolved that enough is known already to make an informed decision and we would encourage the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues to make the change as soon as possible.”

Transport Minister Steven Joyce released the new 10-year road safety strategy Safer Journeys on March 3 although a decision is yet to be reached as to whether the government will reduce the current alcohol limit or conduct research on the level of risk posed by drivers with a alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.

“The committee’s decision was based on compelling evidence and statistics presented by the then Canterbury Road Policing Manager in 2008,” said Cr Kane.

“During that year, alcohol and drugs were prominent factors in vehicle related deaths in New Zealand causing 31 percent of fatal crashes and 21 percent of serious injury crashes. These crashes resulted in 119 deaths, 582 serious injuries and 1,726 minor injuries. It is estimated that the social cost of crashes where alcohol/drugs were a factor was $841 million. These statistics support a reduction of the alcohol level and the committee continues to advocate this policy following the Minister’s paper,” said Cr Kane.

Cr Kane said that lowering the adult limit halves the risk of involvement in a fatal crash, highlighting the considerable potential for saving lives by changing the law.

The Regional Transport Committee agreed that this was an important area to show leadership and support central government in its efforts to reduce the road toll.