Comedy with a cause as regional roadshow returns to Geelong

THE 27th edition of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming to Geelong later this month.

It will be hosted by Fadzri Rashid with special guests Brett Blake, Matt Stewart, Mef Jager and Rowan Thambar.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is teaming up with the roadshow to deliver important drink-driving messages among the laughter.

TAC will be addressing vague rules of thumb people use around drink-driving, while encouraging comedy fans to completely separate drinking alcohol from driving.

The speed at which they drink, how many standard drinks per hour, if they’ve had enough water, how much they’ve eaten, and even body size, are some of the rules of thumb people use when considering drink driving, according to TAC.

As well as myth-busting drink coasters at roadshow venues, designed to challenge common misconceptions and spark conversation, a sobering online vox pop series featuring festival comedians will encourage audiences to plan ahead and make arrangements to get home safely.

With less public transport available in regional towns, driving is a common option when getting to and from events.

TAC is asking people who plan to drink alcohol to nominate a driver who isn’t drinking or, if they need to drive home, avoid drinking alcohol altogether to ensure everyone gets home safely.

“The message is simple – if you’re drinking, don’t drive. Plan ahead and arrange a safe alternative way of getting home,” chief executive officer Tracey Slatter said.

Drink-driving remains a major factor in Victorian road trauma, including in regional areas, and while most people know the dangers and do the right thing, close to one in five drivers and riders killed are over the legal limit.

Research shows only small increments in alcohol consumption can result in significant impairment, including a weakened ability to judge distances and moving lights, a decrease in reaction times and an increase in the tendency to take risks.

Impairment is detectable from 0.02 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and drivers with a 0.05 BAC have double the crash risk of a sober driver.

The roadshow will be presented at The Story House at Geelong Arts Centre on May 17.

For more information for for tickets, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/comedy-festival