Young drivers warned to give drink driving the boot

ONE in five drink drivers detected in Victoria are aged 25 and under as Victoria Police is warning young people about the dangers of miscalculating their alcohol intake during local footy final celebrations.

Miscalculation of alcohol consumption has been identified as one of the most common reasons given to police by detected young drivers.

The trend suggests many are opting to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel rather than remaining sober or using alternative transport when drinking – despite probationary and learner drivers being required to have a zero-alcohol limit.

“The morning after people are still heavily affected by alcohol and they don’t realise it,” Bass Coast Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Goff explained.

“People think because it’s the next day, all is fine, but it’s far from.

“The last three drink drivers I have taken their licences off have all been the morning after.”

Police are reminding young drivers that the penalties for drink driving are significant.

Drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions receive an on-the-spot $555 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive an on-the-spot fine of $462 and a three-month licence disqualification.

More serious drink driving offences can result in further penalties including vehicle impoundment, licence cancellation or extensive disqualification, hefty fines, and even jail time.

Shifting the focus away from pacing drinks, Act Sgt Goff acknowledged that every individual is different – their metabolism, what they’ve eaten, how they’ve slept, and it’s simply not worth the risk.

“Everyone talks about the fines and suspension of licences, but now you have to have an interlock for a period of time; drink driving is an ongoing process.”

Around $2000 to get fitted, serviced every month and removed at the end, all at your own cost, the interlock system could quite easily set you back over $4000 plus.

“If you’re going to watch the footy and have a few drinks, 
organise a ride. We’re running multiple cars every week,” Act Sgt Goff said.

“I would like to think football clubs and netball clubs are looking out for their own, if someone’s walking around and sees a couple of people alcohol affected – “I’ll give you guys a ride home”; I would like to think people are going to step in.”

The warning comes as 161 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year - trending well above the five-year average of 153.

“The risk of drink driving with serious injury collision… Putting one or two mates in the car and you’re alcohol affected, how would you feel if you seriously injured or killed your mate?”

Driving under the influence of drugs is also an ongoing issue faced by Bass Coast Police.

“Drugs are a major problem, people of all ages,” Act Sgt Goff said.

“A lot of people think cannabis is relatively harmless, but what we are finding, if they are being honest with us, is that the cannabis has methamphetamines in it. Whether people are lacing it for the extra kick for their product to be the better product, a lot of people that are claiming cannabis are showing up methamphetamines as well.

“Drugs is a straight line – yes or no, you either have it in your system or not.

“It’s not worth the risk.”

Act Sgt Goff also cautioned people against practical jokes from friends where individuals may not be aware they have consumed drugs through their food or drink, and second-hand, passive smoke from cannabis.

“Being around people that are smoking pot all night – it’s going into your system as well.”

Police will continue their 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.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.