Grape Grazers drive home road safety message

13 Feb 2003

Media Release - 13 February 2003

The TAC and Police are asking the thousands of visitors to the Yarra Valley for the next weekend's Grape Grazing Festival to think before they drink – think how they'll be getting home and between wineries.

The TAC and Police are alarmed by figures showing the number of drivers killed in 2002 with a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit was the highest (32%) in eight years. These are people who shouldn't have been on the roads in the first place.

TAC General Manager, Road Safety, David Healy's advice to festival-goers is to think about how they will get to and from the wine region, as well as between wineries, before they leave the house.

"Many people will be sampling wines throughout the day at the festival, making it very difficult and risky to try to gauge their blood alcohol reading," he said.

"An ideal option, if you're intending to drink, is to designate a driver before you leave the house. Someone who will remain sober throughout the day and make sure that you all get home safely."

"Many of the wineries will be providing free breath testing facilities to enable people to check if they're well under the legal limit and 'right to drive'."

Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said Police will be keeping a close eye on the traffic traveling to and from the festival.

"All too often, Police see the horrific consequences of road trauma and this is something none of us want to deal with this weekend," he said.

"Please be careful on your way up to the Yarra Valley and make sure you're right for the journey home at the end of the day."

As a special incentive, designated drivers at the festival will be entitled to half-price bottled water and go in to a major prize draw. Patrons can ask bar staff at the wineries about how to participate in the designated driver program.

The TAC has the following tips for being a designated driver:

• a zero blood alcohol content is by far the best policy;
• talk to your passengers before they get in the car and ask them not to be distracting while you're driving;
• always drive within the speed limit and to the road conditions; and
• try to get a good night's sleep leading up to the day and if you feel tired take a powernap.

Further information:

Karen Hayward,
TAC,
1300 654 329