Concerns about high drink driving rates on the Sunshine Coast have sparked calls for a tougher approach.
State MP Fiona Simpson said she was lobbying the Attorney General to review the laws as she understood a very high number of road fatalities were linked to drunk or drugged driving on the Sunshine Coast. However she queried whether the penalties were sufficient deterrent in recent court cases.
“I think the police are catching people but the fines aren’t working – so the message isn’t getting through,” Ms Simpson said.
“I believe that tougher penalties would send a message that this is a very serious issue.”
Ms Simpson said last year the Sunshine Coast area had 28 road fatalities with more than 50% of fatal road accidents involving driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“One death is too many. Those who are killed aren’t necessarily the ones at fault. Drunk and drugged driving is a scourge which demands a stronger approach to stop as much of this unnecessary carnage as possible,” Ms Simpson said.
