New rules from Aunty Helen coming

[Ixion]

Yep, 'cos NOBODY ever got convicted for EBA after one of the above incidents, they only affect the 'sniffer'.

Well, true, but that is because the present level is not zero. The inhalers show an incorrect "over present limit" level. The other thingy shows a correct "below present level" reading. Since it's below the current level, "Thank you, Sir, just a false positive on the sniffer, have a good night".

But the "below present level" would still be over a zero limit. So, with a ZERO limit it would be "OK Sir that a 2 whassy per doohickey reading. That's not zero. So you're under arrest"

Actually there are sufficent alcohol type molecules in exhaust emissions that you could probably record a non zero level (very low, but non zero) just from breathing in the traffic fumes waiting in line to be tested. Then there is the question of the accuracy of the gadget. Certainly fine for present limits (so what if it's 0.1 out - the difference between 799.9 and 800 is meaningless).But what if the reading is 0.1. That's not zero.

There is no evidence at all that such very low levels (1 or 2 thingwhatsits per wossiname) have any effect whatsoever on driving (or any other) ability.

[XP@]

Got to admit - I have no problems at all with this bit - in fact I'd take it a step further... loss of licence for life after 3 DIC offences.

"You no learn - you no drive!"

I have this thing about other people deciding to put my life at risk...

If there is going to be a tolerance level then the penalties should be tough.
Minimum disqualification set at 12 months + big fine + re-test.
second offence 24 months + big fine + re-test.
third offence: the slammer.

Failing that you could treat the crime as attempted murder, unless they do manage to kill someone then they should be treated as murderers.

There again... should plain dangerous driving be treated in the same way...
If so then would excessive speeding have to be put in the same basket?

Where do you draw the line...

[SPman]

If you are a government beaureaucrat, you dont draw a line - you just have ever shrinking boundaries - a bit like a purse seine fishing net!
Useless, cocksucking pricks that they are!
Common sense hasnt had a look in for years and those in the front line that practice it, often have to risk getting their arses kicked big time by their grovelling, lickspittle senior idealogues!
chorus. (see above)

[Stevo]

Poor kiddies. Aunty Helen is doing the right thing if you read how many here tend to fall of the road. It's for your own good I'm with JackRat on this one. A point most seem to miss is it's for ALL road users not just motocycle riders. I've been passed by cage drivers on roadworks who should have known better, stones flying all over the place-take im away officer. Personnally it doesn't bother me at all. Maybe more race venues will spring up because of it. Helen has more balls than any other "leader" in Govt at the mo. No, really it's a consperacy by Harley Davidson-Pssss but don't tell anyone I mentioned that

Maybe more race venues will spring up because of it.????????? Huh? Are you serious? What freakin fantasy land do you live in?

[mstriumph]

IMHO this is a power thingy rather than just a NZ thingy.
From observation, whenever any authority ANYWHERE gets more power it will exercise it and some of its members will, sooner or later, abuse it.
No way out, friends - it's all downhill from here ....

[Lou Girardin]

Well, true, but that is because the present level is not zero. The inhalers show an incorrect "over present limit" level. The other thingy shows a correct "below present level" reading. Since it's below the current level, "Thank you, Sir, just a false positive on the sniffer, have a good night".

But the "below present level" would still be over a zero limit. So, with a ZERO limit it would be "OK Sir that a 2 whassy per doohickey reading. That's not zero. So you're under arrest"

Actually there are sufficent alcohol type molecules in exhaust emissions that you could probably record a non zero level (very low, but non zero) just from breathing in the traffic fumes waiting in line to be tested. Then there is the question of the accuracy of the gadget. Certainly fine for present limits (so what if it's 0.1 out - the difference between 799.9 and 800 is meaningless).But what if the reading is 0.1. That's not zero.

There is no evidence at all that such very low levels (1 or 2 thingwhatsits per wossiname) have any effect whatsoever on driving (or any other) ability.

All quite true, but far too logical for the "one size fits all, don't make the sound bite too long or I can't follow it' generation.

[scumdog]

So, with zero tolerance in place, you're nervously waiting for the evidential test. Have another quick suck on the inhaler 'cause you're a bit wheezy, and bingo! you blow 2 mgm's, guilty, executed on the spot. Thank you and goodbye.

Hey! I've a novel idea: if you think the breath test is not right then go for a blood test!!

What? Oh damn, they already have that idea.

Next.

And BTW the present breath test devices 'round down' the figures, i.e. if you blow 415 (in theory at that level you're 'over') it automatically (sp) rounds that figure to 400, ergo you are not 'over' as you haven't blown OVER 400, it would be no problem to do a similar thing with a 'zero' level.

And you knew this Lou, you shameless troller you!!

[Lou Girardin]

Hey! I've a novel idea: if you think the breath test is not right then go for a blood test!!

What? Oh damn, they already have that idea.

Next.

And BTW the present breath test devices 'round down' the figures, i.e. if you blow 415 (in theory at that level you're 'over') it automatically (sp) rounds that figure to 400, ergo you are not 'over' as you haven't blown OVER 400, it would be no problem to do a similar thing with a 'zero' level.

And you knew this Lou, you shameless troller you!!

This assumes that all you say remains true if the Safety Nazis brought in a zero level. Remember that they removed the right to request a blood test over a certain breath/alcohol level. Who's to say this won't be applied in future "because blood tests are so inconvienient".

[spudchucka]

This assumes that all you say remains true if the Safety Nazis brought in a zero level. Remember that they removed the right to request a blood test over a certain breath/alcohol level. Who's to say this won't be applied in future "because blood tests are so inconvienient".

An evidential test above 600 was considered conclusive, however this has changed and any drunk can request a blood test now regardless of how pissed they are. All this has changed is to waste police time through spectacularly pissed drivers insisting on blood tests in the alcohol induced hope that a blood test might save their worthless arses. In reality the blood test almost always yeilds a higher reading but we aren't allowed to tell a drunk that because that would constitute us giving a defendant legal advice, which is naughty apparently.

Blood test aren't really inconvienient, other than the fact that it means you have to spend more time with a stupid, slobering, smelly drunk, at worst it only adds about 20 - 40 minutes to the process depending on the availability of the quack. And on a positive note you get a nice letter a week or two later from ESR saying how pissed the idiot was, then you get to go see the idiot again with a summons and have the enjoyment factor of seeing their face once they realise how screwed they are.

[crshbndct]

bloody good job! theres no excuse for speeding through roadworks.
we dont put up those signs just for the hell of it, its for everyones safety.

on the highways the speeds are set by the safe lane width, eg:
30k, 2.75m lane width
50k, 3.00m lane width
70 & 80k, 3,25 lane width
100k, 3.50m lane width

/me measures a piece of tar between my house and dargaville which i believe is less than 3.00 m wide, which is 100 zone

[Da Bird]

Blood test aren't really inconvienient, other than the fact that it means you have to spend more time with a stupid, slobering, smelly drunk, at worst it only adds about 20 - 40 minutes to the process depending on the availability of the quack. And on a positive note you get a nice letter a week or two later from ESR saying how pissed the idiot was, then you get to go see the idiot again with a summons and have the enjoyment factor of seeing their face once they realise how screwed they are.

... and also the knowledge that they just cost themselves another $80 - $90 in doctor's /nurse's fees and $93.00 in ESR analysts fees.

[scumdog]

... and also the knowledge that they just cost themselves another $80 - $90 in doctor's /nurse's fees and $93.00 in ESR analysts fees.

....and also the knowledge that had they stuck with the breath-test reading it would have been lower in comparison to the blood reading

[Timetogo]

The zero tolerance thing is a load if shite as was said earlier there is no evidence that having low levels inhibits drivers responses etc in any way. If you look in the literature there is good evidence that a lack of sleep will make you more of a risk than the current legel limit. Another example of politicians keen to be seen to be doing the right thing with NO evidence that it makes sod all differrnce. Political grandstanding.

[Pixie]

The zero tolerance thing is a load if shite as was said earlier there is no evidence that having low levels inhibits drivers responses etc in any way. If you look in the literature there is good evidence that a lack of sleep will make you more of a risk than the current legel limit. Another example of politicians keen to be seen to be doing the right thing with NO evidence that it makes sod all differrnce. Political grandstanding.

It's a tired old tactic,first indoctrinate the plebs that something is evil,then be seen to act against said evil.And if you're lucky you can suck revenue from the enforcement too

[Biff]

Also for exceeding blood alcohol levels of 130mg/100ml (currently 160mg/100ml)

also 3 strikes and your out law for drink driver who commit 3 offences in 4 years. on the third offence vehicles will be impounded for 28 days, licence to be suspended for more than a year meaning offenders will need to resit their practical driving test at the end of disqualifcation period.

Good - Shame pissed drivers/riders don't get an immediate ban for 12 months get hit with a huge fine & have their mode of transport impounded/confiscated IMO.

Selfish bastards those that drink & drive/ride.