Tweed won't heed on drink drive warnings

THIRTY years have passed since the random breath test was introduced.

THIRTY years have passed since the random breath test was introduced.

Yet Tweed police are still trying to get the message across that if you plan to drink, don't drive.

But if the Tweed's drink-driving stats are anything to go by, not all drivers are taking the matter seriously.

So far this year 321 drivers have been caught drink driving, with seven of those novice drivers such as P-platers.

Tweed's drink-driving stats have been the worst in the state in previous years and the shameful title does not look set to change anytime soon.

Inspector Gary Cowan of Tweed Heads Police was adamant police would catch those who drink-drive and risk the lives of themselves and others.

"If you do continue to drink and drive you will be caught," he says.

Insp Cowan said he was amazed at the foolishness of offenders who think they can escape the consequences.

"We've had incidences where people have been detained for drink-driving twice in one night," he says.

"Every police car is a mobile RBT."

Insp Cowan said campaigns to stop drink-driving are having an effect, but police would be patrolling main roads and back streets in force to catch those who think they can dodge the law.

The RBT was introduced to NSW in November 1982 and since then fatal crashes involving alcohol have dropped from 40% to 19%, proving the effectiveness of the policy.