A new take on ACC levies ....

Dianne from Hamilton East

So ACC has gone to govt requesting that it increase its levy to pay for the escalating cost to fund people who have been involved in car crashes. These costs will escalate even further in the future as our medical technology enables more people to survive often horrific injuries. No way will this govt say yes to this proposal.....lit is not feasible given the petrol costs, etc. However who then will pay for these costs?? Why not those who are culpable! Surely it makes commonsense that any accident causing injury that results in significant ongoing medical treatment, in which the offending driver was on any drugs, alcohol included of course, or driving over the speed limit should pay for these costs. "They don't have the money" I hear you say. Everyone has or is entitled to an income, be it a benefit, employment etc. If that person is on a benefit and no matter how lacking they are in weekly income, could have a small amount taken out of their benefit. Accountability should not be constrained by race, income or power; it needs to be their as a reminder to everyone that there is a consequence to an action. And, maybe, just maybe, this will act as a deterrent to those who decide to flaunt the laws around driving.