‘Alco-gate’ too late For drink-driver
‘ I’m now realising it’s just getting me into trouble, and I’m trying to do something about it.’ THANE HARRIS
A recidivist drink-driver granted a rare reprieve by a judge is warning others not to make the same mistakes he has.
His plea comes as the Ministry of Transport reveals it’s watching the pilot of a hightech anti-drink-driving device in Australia.
The ministry is ‘‘paying close attention’’ to the results of the trial, which involves introducing a high-tech ‘‘boom’’ gate, called an alcogate, at secret Melbourne locations. Drivers leaving carparks will be breathalysed by the technology and the gates will open only if they’re under the limit.
The technology was first trialled by Sweden for drivers coming off ferries and Australia’s National Roads and Motorists Association recommended the gates for highrisk events such as sports occasions or festivals.
The transport ministry’s safety manager, Brent Johnston, said that as part of its new road safety strategy, due for public consultation in April, it was investigating new technologies and was aware of the trial.
‘‘We are interested in the results, which we will pay close attention to before considering whether this or similar technologies could benefit New Zealand.’’
This week Blenheim’s Thane Harris was sentenced to community detention and supervision for his seventh drink-driving charge after being caught six times over the limit. He crashed into a pole following a ‘‘fun night’’ drinking with friends.
‘‘I could have walked home. I just did something stupid. I knew there were otherways to get home, and decided to take the quick way instead,’’ he said. ‘‘I
know getting behind the wheel is a bad thing . . .I wasn’t driving at all those past few years, just that one night . . . I stuffed up.’’
The penalty for third and subsequent drink-driving offences is disqualification and a maximum of two years’ imprisonment. But at sentencing Judge Bruce Davidson said Harris was on good standing due to a guilty plea, awillingness to undertake counselling and ‘‘a lull’’ between incidents.
‘‘Your living arrangements are not ideal as you seem to be surrounded by other flatmates who misuse and abuse alcohol as well. You’re unemployed, and drug and alcohol testing makes it clear you would benefit from counselling.’’
His remarks come after the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry urged the Government to treat alcohol and drug addiction as a health issue, rather than a criminal one.
Harris couldn’t remember when his struggle with alcohol started, he just ‘‘always liked drinking’’.
‘‘I’m now realising it’s just getting me into trouble, and I’m trying to do something about it.’’
Road safety campaigner Clive Matthew-Wilson supported the gate system but said it would have little effect for a lot of effort in New Zealand.
‘‘The highest-risk groups tend to live in the country and they drink heavily, then drive, on a regular basis.
‘‘They are a long way away from most police roadblocks and see no problem with the way they live.’’