Two Drinks Max: 'Zero limit would not be helpful'

'People need to be aware of how impaired they can be after two drinks.' Celia Wade-Brown supports Two Drinks Max. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown explains why she is supporting the Two Drinks Max campaign:

Do you support lowering the drink/drive limit to 50 mg - already in place in many countries and recommended by NZ police, MoT and Alcohol Healthwatch?

Yes. There is plenty of evidence in Europe that a lower drink-drive limit has reduced the road toll. A zero limit would not be helpful and would be unrealistic.

Will you pledge your name to the Herald on Sunday's Two Drinks Max campaign?

Absolutely. I enjoy a glass of wine but it's really important to be
able to focus on the road when you are driving.

Why do you think it's important to get behind the campaign?

To reduce the road toll. Impairment from alcohol and drugs is a major
contributor to an alarminly high road toll in New Zealand.

People need to be aware of how impaired they can be after two
drinks. In some cases people become unreasonably confident in their ability after drinking. It's all fine to think you're a great dancer when you are drunk but not a great driver.

Have you, your friends or family been involved in a drink-driving crash or been a victim of one?

My brother was a victim of dangerous driving but I'm not sure if
that was related to drinking. So I'm very committed to road safety.

Has drink-driving affected your life?
Tell us your story.