It is quite sobering and often causes one to be a little more attentive behind the wheel, though nothing will save you if a drunk driver smashes into your car.

Drivers in NSW should be greatly encouraged by the introduction of the Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program on February 1 last.

It appears to be a serious attempt by the Roads and Maritime Service to address a problem that is rife and can have disastrous consequences.

The RMS says the interlock program has drink-driving-related deaths and injuries in its sights, and will also tackle the huge problem of the costs to people and the community.

One horrifying statistic says that a driver with a previous conviction for drink driving is four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than the average driver.

There is much more to the interlock program than just fitting a breath-testing unit to a convicted drink driver’s vehicle or motorcycle.

Prison sentences, fines, licence disqualifications, consultations with GPs about alcohol consumption, medical assessments – they are all defined in the program.

It is hoped that components of the program, such as data monitoring, medical consultations and counselling, will bring about behavioural changes that extend beyond the term of the interlock order.

Other benefits of the program are that offenders, instead of long-term disqualification, will be able to keep driving, and keep their jobs, which is especially important in rural areas where public transport is minimal, and neither they nor their families will suffer financial hardship.