The Annual Alcohol Poll 2017, released by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education today, reports that between 7% and 10% and adults have put children at risk of harm by having them in the car when the driver was over the legal alcohol limit.

Just over 20% agreed that their children had been put at risk of harm generally, or harmed, because of someone else’s drinking. This includes neglecting the children (9%), verbally abusing the children (12%) and physical abuse (7%).

Drink driving with a child in the car is an aggravating factor in NSW. This means it can be taken into account by a court and makes the offence more serious. This is because of the Guideline Judgment for High Range Drink Driving, as well as section 21A(2)(ea) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.

The Foundation for Alcohol Research is a not-for-profit organisation, working towards stopping harm caused by alcohol in the community. The Annual Alcohol Poll has been running for 8 years and assesses Australians attitudes toward alcohol and associated behaviours.

Photo by Devon Rockola