Victoria Police is warning young people about dangers of miscalculating their alcohol intake during local footy final celebrations, with one in five drink drivers detected in Victoria aged 25 and under.
Police analysis shows 20 per cent of drivers who were detected over the prescribed limit between April 2021 and March 2022 fell into the younger age bracket.
Miscalculation of alcohol consumption has been identified as one of the most common reasons given to police by detected young drivers.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Justin Goldsmith said the message was simple – drinking and driving don’t mix.
“We need young people to recognise this and separate the behaviour,” Mr Goldsmith said.
“Far too often we hear from drivers that they thought they’d be okay to drive after one or two drinks.
“The safest option is – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive; or if you’re going to drive, don’t drink.”
The trend suggests many are opting to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel rather than remaining sober or using alternative transport when drinking.
As end-of-season football celebrations kick off across the state, police are actively engaging with Victorian football clubs and leagues to ensure precautions are in place so that players and supporters enjoy the celebrations safely.
“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,“ Mr Goldsmith said.
“We’re also appealing to parents to speak to their kids about planning safe ways to get home before going out, so they’re not tempted to drink and drive.“
Clubs and parents in local football communities are being encouraged to arrange alternative transport options so players can celebrate with their teammates and travel home safely from end of season functions, reducing the risk of driving whilst impaired.
Drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions receive an on-the-spot $555 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive an on-the-spot fine of $462 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.
The warning comes as 161 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year – trending well above the five-year average of 153.
Drink and drug driving will be targeted in the lead up to Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing effort set to take place over the AFL Grand Final long weekend in September.
