Victoria Police have released a fresh warning to young drivers thinking about getting behind the wheels with a few drinks under their belt to think again, ahead of a blitz targeting young drink drivers over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
Victoria Police analysis showed 20 per cent of drivers detected over the prescribed limit between April 2021 and March 2022 were younger than 25.
According to police, the trend has suggested a number of young drivers are opting to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel, rather than remaining sober or using alternative transport – despite probationary and learner drivers being required to have a zero-alcohol limit.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith said drinking and driving should never mix.
“We need young people to recognise this and separate the behaviour,” he said.
“Far too often, we hear from drivers that they thought they’d be OK to drive after one or two drinks.
“The safest option is – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive; or if you’re going to drive, don’t drink.”
Police would continue its road safety focus over the coming weeks, with drink and drug driving to be targeted in the lead up to Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing effort set to take place over the AFL Grand Final long weekend in September.
