TAC ad reminds drivers that a little bit over is still over

24 Nov 2004

Media release - 24 November 2004

A new public education campaign highlighting the lifestyle consequences for drivers who lose their licence as a result of drink driving was launched today by the Minister responsible for the TAC, Rob Hulls.

The new campaign, which will screen on television from tonight, targets 'low level' drink drivers who get behind the wheel with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC's) of between .05 and .10.

"The law is clear that even if you are a little bit over, you are too drunk to drive," Mr Hulls said.

"The consequences of a low level BAC are high when you consider losing the respect of family, friends and colleagues.

"People who need to drive as part of their job could find themselves unemployed and in financial difficulty from being just a little bit over."

Mr Hulls said the series of four advertisements highlight:

• Family strain after a father has to walk his daughter to netball since losing his licence;
• The difficulty in obtaining car insurance after a drink driving conviction;
• Financial hardship after loss of licence leads to unemployment;
• Impact on leisure activities with a boat left to rust after a driver is caught drink driving.

"Showing what some of these consequences are will hopefully make those drivers who continue to flout the law and drive with an illegal blood alcohol concentration level, think again."

Mr Hulls said low level drink drivers were often complacent about the risk they posed on the road.

"Combining alcohol with driving or riding is extremely dangerous because alcohol significantly reduces concentration, reaction time and judgement, all of which are essential on the road."

"Last year 57 drink drivers and riders lost their lives, and whilst many more were lucky enough to survive, they sustained serious injuries or killed or hurt others," he said.

"This campaign acknowledges the risk to the community, but also asks riders and drivers to think about what they value and what they are risking personally."

Mr Hulls said the campaign had been launched to coincide with the festive season.

"It can be a time of year when people take stupid risks but if they do they will be caught and the consequences will leave a very sour taste well into the New Year."

Victoria's road toll currently stands at 314, up from 292 for the same period in 2003 (an increase of 8 %).

More information:

Georgina Lyell 1300 654 329