Ahead of another huge weekend of local footy finals in Melbourne’s north, Victoria Police has warned young people about the dangers of drink driving and miscalculating their alcohol intake before getting behind the wheel.
This warning comes after an 11 per cent increase in the number of drink drivers aged under 25 compared to the previous 12 months, and according to police figures those under 25 account for a quarter of convicted drink drivers in Victoria.
According to police, there has been a high number of cases in which young drivers cite miscalculation of alcohol consumption as the reason they are caught over the limit.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir says no matter what the reasoning or excuse may be, it’s been made very clear that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.
“Far too often we hear from drivers who thought they’d be okay to drive after one or two drinks. If you’re going to drink, don’t drive,” said Assistant Commissioner Weir.
While Victoria Police understands and accepts that football finals and end of season celebrations typically involve alcohol consumption, they are urging those participating to seek alternative modes of transport or assign a designated driver.
Police are also reminding young drivers the penalties for drink driving are significant, particularly learner and probationary drivers as they are required to have a zero-blood alcohol limit.
Drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions will receive an on-the-spot $577 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive an on-the-spot fine of $481 and a three-month licence disqualification.
This increased focus on road safety from Victoria Police will continue into late September, as drink and drug driving will be targeted heavily leading up to Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing effort over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
Gerald Lynch
