A Haunting Reminder For Drink-Drivers

13 Nov 2005

Media Release - 13 November 2005

The Minister for the TAC, John Lenders, today launched a haunting public education campaign reminding motorists that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink-driver, and that the consequences of being over 0.05 could stay with you for life.

Mr Lenders said the new campaign was a timely reminder leading into the festive season with Victoria’s road toll up 3 per cent on this time last year, and drink-driver deaths already exceeding 2004 figures.

“In the first seven months of this year, 46 people were killed with Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels over 0.05. Already, that’s more than last year’s total which was 45 drink-driver deaths. Sadly, 59 per cent of those killed this year were aged between 21 and 29,” Mr Lenders said.

“These statistics alone are sobering, and the recent increase of drink-driving related fatalities particularly among young people is very disturbing.”

Mr Lenders said that even with a low level BAC, driving after drinking is dangerous, and that judging your BAC and ability to drive by how you feel after a few drinks is a mistake.

“The average Victorian has a one in four chance of being injured in a crash over a lifetime.  The odds are already high, and by drinking and then driving you’re simply pushing your luck, because every glass of alcohol you consume affects your driving ability.

“This campaign shows that you don’t have to be drunk to be over the limit and that you can’t judge your BAC by how you feel. If you drive and crash, beyond incurring a fine, losing your licence or even serving a jail sentence, the consequences of drink-driving could haunt you for life - even if you were only a little bit over.

“Nobody wants to live with the consequences of being a drink-driver and no-one should have to, because drink-driving is totally avoidable. So, if you’ve had a drink and you’re in any doubt about your BAC level – don’t drive.”

Research shows that more people were caught over the legal limit after drinking at home or at a friend’s house, than those who have been out at a pub, club or restaurant.

“People at these informal get-togethers need to hear the drink-drive message, because it is often at these types of events that there is a temptation to drink, and then drive home,” Mr Lenders said.

“So when you’re visiting friends, think before having a drink if you have to drive. Driving with any alcohol in your bloodstream reduces your concentration, reaction time and ability to judge distances.”

The latest TAC campaign builds on its road safety programs and supports the Bracks Government’s arrive alive strategy, to reduce serious injury and death by 20 per cent by 2007.

The TV component of the campaign will screen from tonight and has a PGA rating. Outdoor and radio advertisements will support the campaign, including Vietnamese and Chinese radio advertisements.

Approximately one quarter of drivers and motorcyclists killed in crashes have a BAC over 0.05. On average, this is 58 people each year.