This is a tragedy. It is hard to comprehend the grief that three separate families are going through, following the death of their children, and the arrest of their son, the drink driver in question.
Watch the attached video and marvel at the bravery and courage of the parents of the children who died.
It is also amazing to see the grief and sympathy of the parents of the accused driver, who was apparently three times over the legal limit and has been charged with multiple offences.
All these lives lost. All these lives destroyed.
Our principal Greg Martin says:
“I remember clearly when Random Breath Testing was introduced in 1982 in New South Wales. It was introduced because of the high rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol. Almost 40% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol. That has been reduced by over half now.
I also remember the outcry from the alcohol industry and many hotels. They said it would force them to close their doors.
Penalties have increased, and it’s now common to see people with high-range drink driving multiple offences spending long periods in prison.
Perhaps it’s time to introduce a total ban on drugs and alcohol when driving? This has been raised before. It would mean a change in habits, where there would have to be a designated driver, but imagine the lives that could be saved, the families that would not be destroyed, the grief and the cost to the community that could also be saved.
The National Road Safety Strategy, signed by all state and federal ministers in 2011, listed the advantages of limiting the blood alcohol limit, particularly for adults under 30.
I think it’s time to introduce this type of law, and for all of us to change our habits.”
Perhaps you might weep at the loss these families have suffered, and maybe you might think about writing or emailing your local MP in NSW to suggest that it is time to change these laws.
You can also contact the NRMA, particularly if you are a member, to suggest that they might advocate for such a law to be passed. It would save many lives.
If you want to contact the NRMA then here is a link to their page.
If you or any family member is charged with drink driving, or if you and any family is involved in an accident involving a drink driver then please contact us and we can help you.
Martin Bullock Lawyers, for all your legal solutions.