That is the message Victoria Police’s Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir is sending to motorists after statistics revealed an alarming number were choosing to start the new year by getting behind the wheel despite knowing they might be over the blood alcohol limit.
But it’s never just about avoiding fines and keeping your licence, it’s about saving lives.
Drink driving can cause catastrophic and irrevocable harm.
“A hangover lasts a day. Road trauma lasts a lifetime,” Asst Commissioner Weir said.
“We want everyone to separate their drinking and driving.
“Even if you’ve only had a few drinks, don’t risk it.”
Shepparton police Sergeant Matt Walker said alcohol wasn’t the only factor in road accidents this time of year.
“A lot of people are rushing trying to get a whole lot of things done before the end of the year,” Sgt Walker said.
He urged motorists to take a breath, slow down and rest.
“Fatigue management can be something people overlook,” Sgt Walker said.
Sgt Walker warned that local police would be out in force during the new-year period.
Statistics showed over the past three years almost half of drink drivers detected on New Year’s Day were caught between midnight and 6am.
There were 68 drink drivers detected during that time compared to 145 across the entire day.
Police said many people were miscalculating their alcohol intake, mistakenly thinking they were okay to drive, while others were blatantly ignoring the rules and knowingly putting lives at risk.
Like the police, Ambulance Victoria has suggested the back of ambulance wouldn’t be the most ideal location to ring in the new year either.
“While our paramedics across the state are ready to provide emergency care, personal responsibility is the best prevention this December 31,” AV Emergency Management director Dale Armstrong said.
“If you plan on drinking alcohol, drink in moderation and be sure to have plenty of water between drinks.”
Mr Armstrong said every year paramedics saw injuries resulting from people drinking too much, including assaults, alcohol poisoning, car accidents and engaging in risk-taking behaviour.
“I urge all Victorians to be sensible, look after your own health and the safety of those around you,” he said.
“We also encourage everyone to stay away from recreational drugs.”
Mr Armstrong said paramedics would leave a scene if they felt threatened and unsafe, so he urged community members to treat emergency service workers with respect.
“For our paramedics to provide treatment to you or your loved one, they need a secure environment to work in,” he said.
With the predicted spike in demand on New Year’s Eve and into January 1, increased emergency resources will be rolled out across the state, including in regional locations.
Victoria Police’s entire booze bus fleet will be deployed.
Police remind motorists that every police car can also perform roadside breath testing.
Penalties for drink driving are severe, with even first-time offenders recording a low-range reading facing a $593 fine and a three-month driving disqualification.
Additionally, they will be subject to a drink driver behaviour change program, have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle for at least six months when allowed back on the road and be required to maintain a zero blood alcohol level for at least three years.
“Police will be out anywhere, any time during new year’s celebrations,” Asst Commissioner Weir said.
“We’ll be testing hundreds of thousands of drivers, so if you think you won’t get caught, think again.”
AV’s Mr Armstrong said the community could help during the period of increased demand by reserving 000 calls for emergencies only.
∎ To find out more about how to stay safe on the roads, visit Victoria Police’s road safety page: police.vic.gov.au/road-safety
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