The proposed change to install interlocks in the cars of drivers who are caught mid-range drink driving instead of just those caught high-range drink driving is a real game changer.

There should be no reason for drink driving, no circumstances that it’s acceptable, but it happens, often to the detriment of others.

The thought of a clunky, interrupting interlock installed in your car might just be enough to deter people getting behind the wheel after a few beverages.

That high-range PCA buffer would no longer exist and lesser offences would incur this penalty.

In theory, it seems like the ideal deterrent but how effective would it actually be?

Try as you might, people are always going to have a lapse in judgement and these offences will continue to happen.

This just might be that little thing that sticks in the back of people’s minds that forces them to hang up the keys and find an alternate way home.

A Wagga driving instructor has also come out and said that people caught handling their mobile phone, in any way, while driving should automatically lose their licence for at least three months.

The statistics released for the state for just one day are alarming. 

It really is quite simple – just don’t touch your phone when you’re driving.

There’s no need for it, it’s dangerous and it takes very minimal effort to pull over if you need to text or call someone.

If you can’t get from one destination to the other without using your phone, there’s bigger problems afoot.

Punishments already exist for these offences.

Are these new proposals to ensure people don’t reoffend or to deter others from committing the same crime?

Either way, these proposals and the message they send gives a clear indication by those in the know – police, the courts and even driving instructors.

Driving offences not only affect the person behind the wheel but potentially others in the car and those around them.

If the punishment should fit the crime, do we need harsher penalties for driving offences?

Or are the ones we have sufficient?