Drunks to cop it from new laws

Murray River Police District Inspector Paul Huggett said mid and high-range drunk drivers had been suspended immediately for many years, so including the low-range category re-enforced to drivers and the community it was not acceptable to drive with any level of intoxicating substances in their system.

‘‘Let’s not forget that driving while intoxicated is a criminal offence,’’ he said.

‘‘Any measure that we as a community can take to reduce impaired drivers — whether that be fatigue, driver distractions, restraints and speeding — can only be seen as a direct benefit to all road users.’’

Insp. Huggett said alcohol was one of the major contributors to road trauma and anything to curb that was welcome.

Sixty-eight people died in alcohol-related crashes on NSW roads last year.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Corboy said the law change would protect everyone on the road by ensuring swift and certain penalties.