A bit over, much at stake

BEING ‘races ready’ is a must for race-goers heading to the Pakenham Cup next Sunday 29 November, according to the Transport Accident Commission.
The TAC has revamped its message to drink drivers with new campaigns that no longer tell offenders they are ‘bloody idiots’, instead reminding them they have ‘a lot to lose’ if they drive over the limit.
TAC road safety manager Samantha Cockfield said reaching out to Victorians to not drink-drive on their way home from the track was vital, as research showed people were more likely to take the risk in areas outside metropolitan Melbourne.
“Everyone heading to the Pakenham Cup next Sunday should be in for a great day of racing, which can often involve having a few drinks as well,” Ms Cockfield said.
“What we don’t want race-goers to forget is that having a plan to get home safely is more important than any race at the track.
“One in four deaths on Victorian roads involves someone driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than .05 – the consequences of drink-driving can be the loss of someone’s father, mother, brother or sister.”
A free shuttle bus service will run on Cup day from Cardinia Club and Pakenham and Tynong train stations to the track’s main entrance.
Race-goers can find details at http://www.pakenhamracing.com.au/racedays#getting-there
“If you are planning on drinking at the races, your plan should be not to drive and buses are a great way of taking that out of the equation,” Ms Cockfield said.
Victoria Police will be placing booze buses in targeted areas throughout the country racing season in an effort to stop any unsafe drivers taking to the road.
At the racecourse, TAC breath-testing teams will be set up at exit points to help race-goers avoid drink-driving by providing free breath tests, tea, coffee and water.
As many as 20,000 of these breath tests will be conducted across 60 country racing meets this season.