Police – Youth drink-driving concerns

I am sounding the alarm after noticing a recent increase in drink-driving incidents involving young people in the area. The trend is particularly concerning given New Zealand’s zero alcohol limit for drivers under 20, a rule designed to keep inexperienced drivers and everyone else on the road safe.

Over the past week alone, two teenagers were stopped and found to be drink-driving after leaving a party in Warkworth. Both incidents involved young drivers who had consumed alcohol at a gathering before attempting to drive home.

While many parents assume their teens understand the law, the recent spike suggests otherwise. We are urging families to have clear, direct conversations about the absolute zero tolerance alcohol limit for under 20 drivers. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement, especially for young drivers, we need parents to reinforce that zero means zero; no exceptions.

If you are a parent and hosting a party or event, you have a duty of care to all attendees, especially when alcohol is involved.

Hosts are encouraged to:
• Remove car keys from anyone who has been drinking
• Organise alternative transport such as sober drivers, taxis or prearranged pickups
• Monitor alcohol consumption, particularly when minors are present
• Communicate expectations clearly before the event begins

These are simple steps that can prevent tragedies and ensure young people get home safely.

I emphasise that reducing youth drink-driving is not just a policing issue – it requires the whole community to step up. Keeping our young people safe is a shared responsibility. If we work together – parents, hosts, friends and whānau – we can stop these incidents before they happen.