Editorial: Alcohol course gets results

The drink-driving programme has been such a success in Rotorua other districts are considering it.

If you didn't see our report yesterday about a new anti drink-driving programme I encourage you to check it out.

The Alcohol Impairment Education Programme based in Rotorua has been so successful in reducing reoffending it is being considered by other police districts.

Since its launch in December not one of its 70 participants has reoffended.

It was reported earlier this year that the number of people convicted of drink-driving nationwide has fallen in the past three years, but the number of repeat offenders has remained virtually unchanged.

In February we reported that the number of Rotorua drink-driving convictions was falling, despite a hardcore of repeat offenders.

Ministry of Justice figures released under the Official Information Act showed more than 570 people recorded drink-drive convictions in Rotorua in the year to June - down from 730, two years earlier. But more than a third recorded their third or subsequent conviction last year.

When you consider the recidivism rate of drink drivers, and we've told stories of some of the worst, it's amazing to see the Rotorua course's fantastic result.

The course shows offenders the effects of their actions on other people. Sessions also include the effects of alcohol on the body.

The one-day course accounts for nine hours of a community work sentence.

There will be those who would scoff at offenders taking part in a course rather than picking up rubbish or clearing trails, but results like this show a positive difference can be made, one that could end up saving lives.