QUEENSLAND's drink drivers are failing to learn their lesson as the number of repeat offenders grows steadily each year, in the absence of promised deterrents.
Of the 29,913 drink drivers caught in Queensland last year, 10,393 or 35 per cent had been booked at least once before.
More than 4000 had three or more convictions for drink driving and one driver has now been caught an incredible 18 times.
The figures have grown by over 2000 since 2004/05, and in the same period alcohol-related fatal crashes increased from 77 to 88.
Despite the increase – described by Police Minister Neil Roberts as "appalling" – the State Government is yet to introduce an initiative announced three years ago.
In February 2006, then Premier Peter Beattie promised all second-time drink driving offenders would be required to have alcohol ignition interlocks installed in their vehicles.
The devices require drivers to provide a breath sample before they start their vehicle, and immobilise the engine if alcohol is detected above a set limit – usually 0.02 per cent.
The technology is in use in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia and international research shows the interlocks can reduce drink driving recidivism by up to 60 per cent.
Mr Beattie's commitment to introducing interlocks was supported by the Parliamentary Travelsafe Committee in November 2006 and the matter referred to Queensland Transport for further investigation about the cost.
But yesterday a spokeswoman for Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said she had no information to offer on the initiative.
Mr Roberts was also unaware of the progress of alcohol ignition interlocks but said he was prepared to look at the issue in detail.
"If fines are not enough, if confiscating cars is not enough, we do need to be looking at other measures," he said. "People can end up with a jail term (for drink-driving). A high-range third offence would include a term of imprisonment."
Opposition Transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said it was outrageous interlocks had not been introduced.
"It's damnable," Ms Simpson said.
"You'd have to think this would be one of the most important issues for the government when lives are being lost and also maimed."
She said research on repeat drink drivers showed them to be among the most lethal of all road users.
"They're known to police and they're coming before the courts.
"Why haven't they been targeted with a more aggressive approach ?"
Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said it was very disappointing to see so many people re-offending.
"Every time someone drink drives, there is a significant risk they will cause a crash that could result in serious injury or death to themselves or an innocent road user," Mr Stewart said.
"Human-related factors such as speeding and drink driving contributed to about 93.3 per cent of fatalities on Queensland roads last year."
At midday yesterday, Queensland's 2009 road toll stood at 285 lives lost, 16 more than at the same time last year.
Robyn Ironside
October 25, 2009 11:00pm
