'When you have a young family you think a bit differently.' - Sally Ridge. Photo / Supplied
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
New Zealanders are responding in their thousands to a new push to lower the country's drink-driving limits.
The Herald on Sunday's Two Drinks Max campaign, launched last weekend to put pressure on lawmakers and ask people to pledge not to drive after consuming more than two standard drinks, has prompted
tens of thousands of responses.
By yesterday, more than 5500 had taken the pledge and nearly 40,000 had debated the issue. An online poll at nzherald.co.nz attracted more than 32,000 replies - nearly 78 per cent confirming they would drive only if they had consumed no more than two standard drinks.
It almost mirrored a scientific poll taken the week before by the Herald on Sunday, in which 76 per cent swore off drinking and driving. Results from similar polls on RadioLive and George FM backed the call to drop the drink-driving limit.
The Government is reviewing road laws, but says it needs two years of research before committing to a limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The current level is 80mg.
The campaign got further impetus yesterday with the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua's Daily Post throwing their weight behind it. Times editor Scott Inglis said: "Two Drinks Max is a powerful way to deter drink drivers and change the law." His paper is already campaigning against drink driving.
Herald on Sunday editor Bryce Johns made a submission to the Transport and Industrial Relations select committee, considering the law changes, this week. He said Transport Ministry research since 2006 showed at least 17 drivers had died while driving with between 50 and 80mg of alcohol in their system. "It is a lie for any of our MPs to say there is no evidence a rule change would save lives."
Johns said National MPs appeared wedded to party policy that research was needed. "This can only change if people make their feelings known. Contact your MP, join the campaign, save some lives."
The paper was determined to get at least 10,000 pledges.
WHO SUPPORTS TWO DRINKS MAX?
Sally Ridge
Celebrity
"I don't agree with drink-driving - there are so many car crashes these days, especially with the younger generation. When you have a young family you think a bit differently."
Paul Henare
New Zealand Breakers basketball guard and former Tall Black
"I don't really know how many I can have if I'm driving. If it comes down to that two-drink limit, it would make it clearer and safer for everyone."
Bob Harvey
Outgoing Waitakere mayor
"The carnage on the road and the escalating costs to our communities of life and limb is just unacceptable. It's time to nail it."
Dame Susan Devoy
Former squash world champion
"It's a no-brainer really. Different people have different reactions to alcohol. I'd support that 100 per cent."
Lauren Bangs
Finalist, New Zealand's Next Top Model
"People should always make sure they have a sober driver with them."
Mike Delany
Bay of Plenty and former All Black rugby star
"Anything that reduces drink-driving fatalities is a good thing. When I drink I always get a cab home, it's not worth the risk."
