Steering sober

You can work out how old I am when I tell you I began driving in one of these Austins. It was my first car in 1959. Perhaps I am now at a stage in life when some rules seem appropriate. Perhaps I am not aware of all the implications of making a 'once and for all' rule regarding alcohol and non prescription drugs when driving. However, I am having difficulty imagining a situation wherein it is necessary to drive a vehicle after using alcohol or drugs. We have alternative means of transport at our disposal in all large centres and if we are socialising it ought to be possible to arrange a lift home after an outing. If it is the kind of occasion where everyone has used alcohol then public transport or taxis would be the answer. Many of us survive during daylight hours without drinking and driving and it seems to me we could carry our daylight habits into the evening. I have moved to the view that New Zealand could lead the way when it comes to expecting people to be totally free of alcohol or drugs when responsible for a vehicle. Those in isolated areas might find it difficult to find their way home if they have attended a function without a sober driver to hand. The answer lies in predicting situations and sharing group transport arrangements timed to take everyone safely home. I have the same opinions when it comes to boating. I am astounded at the use of alcohol amongst people who are responsible for boats, vehicles and other means of transport.

We have spent enough dollars trying to educate people in our country. As long as there is some tolerance of alcohol or drugs before someone gets behind a wheel I do not believe we will ever reduce the road toll and associated health costs, let alone the tragedies so many families face.

I am not opposed to alcohol and enjoy some on occasions. I am opposed to the assumption it is possible to drive a vehicle or a boat safely after one or two glasses of wine. Alcohol impairs, it does not increase our powers of concentration especially when unexpected challenges appear in front of the windscreen.

I am really interested to discover whether there are reasonable arguments against what I have written...let me know...