Victoria Police is calling on young people to be aware of the dangers of drink driving and miscalculating their alcohol intake during local football final celebrations.
Police are engaging with local football clubs and leagues to ensure precautions are in place for players and supporters to safely enjoy the celebrations and club officials and parents are encouraged to arrange alternative transport so players can celebrate with teammates and make it home from end-of-season functions safely.
Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said far too often they hear from drivers who thought they’d be OK to drive after one or two drinks.
“The safest option is – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. End of football season celebrations are commonly associated with social events and alcohol consumption, so if you’re planning to drink, just leave the car at home and arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport methods,” he said
“The message from police is clear – drinking and driving won’t be tolerated. We’ll be out conducting testing and focusing on areas where we know events and celebrations are taking place so don’t take the risk”.
Police intelligence shows 25 per cent of drink drivers detected in Victoria are aged under 25. The number of drink drivers aged under 25 increased 11 per cent in the year to March 2023, compared with the previous 12 months.
Probationary and learner drivers are required to have a zero-blood alcohol limit, meaning they cannot have any alcohol in their system while driving.
Drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions receive an on-the-spot $577 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive an on-the-spot fine of $481 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.
Victoria Police are targeting drink and drug driving in the lead up to Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing effort set to take place over the AFL Grand Final long weekend later this month.
