Drink Driving
THOUSANDS of Victorians found boozed-up behind the wheel will have their cars impounded as police roll out harsh new drink-driving penalties.
An extra 67 drivers a week are expected to have their cars confiscated after police launch an unprecedented crackdown on first-time offenders who blow over .10.
Vehicles, even if not owned by the driver, will be impounded and drivers will have their licences cancelled for 10 months.
Being caught will also be a hip-pocket hit with drunk drivers handed a $627 fine and any towing costs.
EDITORIAL: A LAW TO CUT THE CARNAGE
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill warned Victorians not to get behind the wheel after drinking.
“There is no place in our community for drivers who take risks with their life and the lives of others. This legislation will ensure these irresponsible drivers are removed from our roads.
“Drinking and driving are two behaviours that just don’t mix,” he said. “If you are going to drink then don’t drive — plan ahead, catch public transport, organise a designated driver or call a taxi.”
In 2013, up to 3750 first-time offenders were caught by police with a reading above 0.10.
Based on those figures police predicted more than 3500 more people will have cars impounded every year.
All highway patrol areas will require vehicles to be impounded except for Nunawading and Brimbank, which give the option of clamping cars under an immobilisation pilot.
The new rules are part of Road Safety Amendment Bill 2014 dubbed the “cocktail laws” which aimed at getting motorists who drive while on drink and drugs, off Victorian roads. It passed the Victorian Parliament with bipartisan support last year and will take effect on August 1.
Police Minister Wade Noonan warned boozers faced more penalties than ever.
“Anyone driving with a blood alcohol reading of .10 or higher is a danger to themselves and others, regardless of whether it is their first offence,’’ he said.
“Victorians deserve to be safe on our roads without having to worry about boozed-up drivers.
“People who drive with that much alcohol in their system are idiots, plain and simple.’’
Boozy drivers are also facing a higher chance of being caught after the Andrews Government announced 10 new drink and drug buses will be hitting the streets in a new $15 million safety scheme.
Meanwhile, revenue from traffic and red light camera fines will be funnelled into fixing Victorian roads under a new law being drafted by the Government.
The move will see every dollar from bad drivers going into the Better Roads Victoria Trust Account to upgrade roads and fix level crossings.
VicRoads and Victoria police are being consulted by staff from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources who were given the green light to begin work on the bill.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the move during his election campaign.
Legislation is needed because the current fund created under the Business Franchise (petroleum products) Act 1979 is inadequate.
The new law will see millions poured into the trust which will then be boosted to $1 billion by the Government.
alex.white@news.com.au
Tips for your Driving Test
- It is normal to be nervous on your Licence Test so turn that nervous energy in to a positive so as your awareness skills are totally switched on.
- You would not be attempting your Licence Test if your instructor did not think you were ready and at a standard to pass.
- You have been taught to drive defensively.
- You are aware of the Victorian Road law and are required to obey it.
- You have completed a minimum of 120 Hours driving including at least 10 hours of night driving, if not more, over a two year period.
- You have practised on all types of roads and conditions Including freeways highways and city traffic including busy intersections and high volume traffic areas.
- Your car control and observation skills are at a safe standard and your concentration levels are good.
- You are aware of the Victorian Drive Test Criteria and drive to that standard.
- You are aware of the pre drive check and have no problems identifying the controls as they are checked.
- You have driven around the area that your Licence Test will be conducted in and have been shown any unusual traffic situations road markings or intersections that are out of the ordinary.
- You are set to pass
- The driving test is just like another driving lesson with the exception of the licence testing officer being in the back seat.
- If you are not sure of any directions ask and they will be repeated.
- Your driving instructor sits in the front seat as per normal driving lessons.
- Finally: The licence testing officer is not out to fail you, their job is to assess driving standard; and if it meets that standard, [and it will] issue you with your licence.
Written By David – Driving Instructor at Eastern Driving School Melbourne
The challenges of driving
Facing the real challanges of driving.
New solo drivers have often done very little driving.
This can result in them having almost no experience of the real challenges of driving.
These challenges include
Variety of traffic conditions from light traffic in local streets to heavy peak hour traffic.
Extremes in weather rain,fog,or icy conditions
Different driving manoeuvres – driving in roundabouts,making U-turns or turning at different types of intersections.
Effects of the time of day on visability – night driving or sun glare when driving at dawn or dusk.
Unexpected actions of other drivers and riders-stopping quickly, merging or turning without warning.
Types of roads – freeways, roads with trams or undivided main roads.
Imperfect road surfaces – potholes,gravel or slippery surfaces.
Handling any of these challenges when faced with distractions inside the car – radio,noisy passengers or mobile phones.
The worst time to gain this experience is when you are driving solo, on your own – with no supervising driver to give you advice or help. So make the most of your time as a learner driver and don’t think that you can master the challenges of driving overnight – you’ll never really stop learning. Remember, being over confident, especially as a new solo driver can lead to making poor decisions when it counts.
Drink Driving .05 .02 or .00
Should we change the blood alcohol concentration from .05 to .02 ? Debate is about to rage as to change the limit or not and we will all have or should have an opinion. Limits vary between country’s example Australia .05, Ireland .08, Italy .05, Jamaica .08, Japan .03, Norway .02, Poland .02, Romania .00, Sweden .02, UK .08, Us .08, {Source Drink and Stay Alive]
As a driving instructor my view is that the limit should be zero not even .02 we as instructors need to be .00 whilst teaching people to drive. Supervising drivers need to be under .05 and it was not that long ago that the law was changed to implement that restriction.
Anything and everything that the State Government can do to decrease the carnage on our roads should be done let us bite the bullet and make the hard but safer decision.
Australian Driver Trainers Association Conference
The conference is being held at the Bayview Eden in Melbourne. Sunday Date 18-10-09 Time 1.30 To 5.30. The conference is sponsored by VicRoads ,the TAC, the Victorian Taxi Directorate, the RACV and Rowland house.You will hear from guest speakers on The latest road safety trends,Road infrastructure Improvement initiatives,Lessons from the Police and accident investigators,Updates from VicRoads on Graduated Licensing. People who are interested in attending call ADTA Andrew Judkins 03 9809 5777
David’s advice finding a Driving School
It’s important that you select a driving school that has been operating for some time and is affiliated with or belongs to The Australian Driver Trainers Association Of Victoria. The Driving School industry is made up of single operators, small to medium operators 1-10 vehicles and major players.You need a driving instructor who is skilled in manner and people skills and enabled to impart knowledge and create a calm and structured learning experience.
