The state government is reminding Victorians to be extra cautious on the roads and not drinking and driving this holiday season after a devastating year on the roads, with 271 lives lost on roads across the state.
A new road safety campaign will highlight the dangers of low-level drinking and driving and bust the myths people believe on how to stay under .05 when drinking alcohol and ultimately says don’t drink and drive.
The latest TAC Road Safety Monitor report reveals a concerning 48 per cent of Victorians would still consider driving after two or more alcoholic drinks.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Victoria Police ad campaign Stop Kidding Yourself. If you drink, don’t drive says it’s time to remove the guesswork and don’t risk drinking and driving.
The impactful new campaign 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.
Victorians will see and hear the new campaign across television, online, radio, music streaming platforms, cinemas, regional press, social media, outdoor advertising, and billboards through to January 31.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said 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,” she 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.”
