Drink driving offences on the rise in Queensland

Queensland is seeing a major rise in drink driving offences, with 300 being detected every week and thousands of offenders being ordered to fit ignition interlocks on their vehicles.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed that 16,499 drink driving offences were committed in Queensland in 2022, up from 16,054 the previous year.

This included 3,493 high-range offences with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.15 per cent.

Over 880 motorists were caught drink driving more than once in 2022, with 15 drivers being caught four time and three drivers being caught five times or more.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said it was unbelievable that more than 15,000 Queenslanders thought it was “acceptable” to be drink driving.

“And it’s even more shocking that some people do it repeatedly, even after being caught the first time,” Bailey said.

“We need to do everything we can to change behaviours to keep everyone safe on the road.

“After last year’s horrific road toll – Queensland’s worst in more than a decade – it’s more important than ever to stay focused on our vision of zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.”

Back in September 2021, the state government introduced multiple drink driving reforms, including an expansion of the ignition interlock program to include mid-range offenders.

Alcohol ignition interlocks are devices connected to a vehicle’s ignition, requiring drivers to provide a breath sample. The vehicle can only start if no alcohol is detected on the breath.

Since these reforms were introduced, 2,820 mid-range drink driving motorists have had the ignition interlock requirement a condition of their licence.

Over the same period, 1,310 drivers who were caught high-range drink driving have also had to take part in the ignition interlock program.

Meanwhile, hundreds of repeat drink driving offenders have had to take part in a new intensive course as part of the interlock program, involving six face-to-face two-hour modules conducted in small groups.

A TMR spokesperson said, “The program is delivered by DrugArm and conducted by facilitators with skills in behaviour change and group therapeutic processes.

“It is based on a cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing framework, incorporating adult learning and trauma-informed care principles.

“The facilitators aim to establish a cohesive group environment that is engaging, non-threatening and non-judgemental.”