TAC urges people not to risk drink-driving

THE Victorian government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious on the roads by not drinking and driving this holiday season after a devastating year on the roads, with 272 lives lost on roads across the state.

Launched earlier this month, a new road safety campaign is highlighting the dangers of low-level drinking and driving and busting the myths people believe on how to stay under .05 when drinking alcohol.

The Transport Accident Commission’s (TAC) latest Road Safety Monitor report reveals nearly half (48 per cent) of Victorians would still consider driving after two or more alcoholic drinks.

The (TAC) and Victoria Police ad campaign “Stop Kidding Yourself. If you drink, don’t drive” states it is time to remove the guesswork and not risk drinking and driving.

It combats key myths on the speed at which people drink, how many standard drinks are appropriate per hour, if people have had enough water, how much people have eaten and even body size.

The ad campaign also emphasises one of the mandatory penalties for all drink drivers caught in Victoria: having an interlock device installed.

Of all the substances that are tested roadside, alcohol remains the most represented drug in fatally injured drivers, with close to one in five drivers and riders killed being over the legal limit.

In the Barwon South West region, 28 people have lost their lives on the road compared to 26 at the same point last year.

The City of Greater Geelong had the highest loss of life, with nine deaths (one less than the same point in 2022).

Victorians will see and hear the new campaign across TV, online, radio, music streaming platforms, cinemas, regional press, social media, outdoor advertising, and billboards until January 2024.

“As we head into summer and the festive season, this campaign is a timely reminder to Victorians that drinking and driving don’t mix,” TAC chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said.

“We want to embrace a culture where driving after drinking any alcohol is not considered normal.

“Many people think they can manage their blood-alcohol level by following a set of vague rules handed down through generations, but the only way to avoid the risk entirely is to completely separate drinking and driving.”

The Victorian government is delivering this campaign as part of the Victorian Road Safety Action Plan 2021-2023, to support and enforce safer driver behaviour.

“Alcohol remains a leading factor in trauma on our roads. ‘Stop Kidding Yourself’ busts the major myths surrounding drinking alcohol and driving, urging Victorians to prioritise safety on our roads,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said.

“Even in small amounts, alcohol affects perception, vision, concentration, reaction time and causes drowsiness – all of which increases your risk of making a tragic mistake on the roads.

“It’s not worth the risk – if you drink, don’t drive.”