Published Thursday, 07 February, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Sober message for drink drivers
Motorists tempted to drink drive need to think about the consequences -- vividly described by the face of the Queensland Government's drink-driving campaign Nick Benjamin.
Transport Minister John Mickel said today that the true story of teenage paraplegic Nick Benjamin, told in a television advertisement, has started running again from Sunday 3 February.
The advertising is there to show the damage that drink-driving can cause and is being shown to prevent drivers from hoping in their car after having one to many.
"Research shows the ad, with Nick's personal story, has made an impact on drivers and I hope to see this continue," said Mr Mickel.
"Nick speaks honestly about what he did and the devastating personal consequences.
"His story gives a powerful reminder about how the decision to drive after drinking alcohol can cause terrible losses – not just the loss of a licence, but the loss of physical ability and the loss of freedom.
"Drink driving has caused 103 deaths in just 12 months -- that's 103 families and countless friends who will live on with the burden of having lost someone they love in a road crash.
"This is nearly 30 per cent of the road toll and the community has had enough of this reckless disregard for the safety of others."
The television advertisement will be supported with radio, convenience and outdoor ads warning motorists about the presence of police conducting random breath tests.
"The message is there's nowhere to hide," Mr Mickel said.
"If you are driving you need to either plan for alternative transport home or stick to the standard drink rule."
The standard drinks guide for men is two standard drinks in the first hour and one every hour after that. For women it is one standard drink per hour.
However, the standard drinks rule is only a guide for staying under 0.05. Some people can consume less.
"The most sensible option is not to drive at all if you're planning to drink," he said.
People drinking wine are also reminded to check the number of standard drinks in a bottle as it will vary according to the alcohol content.
"Repeat drink driving offenders will face immediate licence suspension and can expect fines up to $4,500 and even a jail term," said Mr Mickel.
Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
Transport Minister John Mickel said today that the true story of teenage paraplegic Nick Benjamin, told in a television advertisement, has started running again from Sunday 3 February.
The advertising is there to show the damage that drink-driving can cause and is being shown to prevent drivers from hoping in their car after having one to many.
"Research shows the ad, with Nick's personal story, has made an impact on drivers and I hope to see this continue," said Mr Mickel.
"Nick speaks honestly about what he did and the devastating personal consequences.
"His story gives a powerful reminder about how the decision to drive after drinking alcohol can cause terrible losses – not just the loss of a licence, but the loss of physical ability and the loss of freedom.
"Drink driving has caused 103 deaths in just 12 months -- that's 103 families and countless friends who will live on with the burden of having lost someone they love in a road crash.
"This is nearly 30 per cent of the road toll and the community has had enough of this reckless disregard for the safety of others."
The television advertisement will be supported with radio, convenience and outdoor ads warning motorists about the presence of police conducting random breath tests.
"The message is there's nowhere to hide," Mr Mickel said.
"If you are driving you need to either plan for alternative transport home or stick to the standard drink rule."
The standard drinks guide for men is two standard drinks in the first hour and one every hour after that. For women it is one standard drink per hour.
However, the standard drinks rule is only a guide for staying under 0.05. Some people can consume less.
"The most sensible option is not to drive at all if you're planning to drink," he said.
People drinking wine are also reminded to check the number of standard drinks in a bottle as it will vary according to the alcohol content.
"Repeat drink driving offenders will face immediate licence suspension and can expect fines up to $4,500 and even a jail term," said Mr Mickel.
Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060