Police are alarmed at the number of motorists taking risks and drink driving on Victorian roads in the lead up to Christmas.
A targeted operation conducted over the weekend as part of Operation Roadwise, a statewide road policing operation, saw police targeting impaired drivers on the Monash Freeway.
Across two days, police detected 61 drivers drink driving. Worryingly, a third of them shouldn’t have had any alcohol in their system whatsoever.
Motorists required to have zero blood alcohol content include those who:
• Have a learner’s permit;
• Have a P1 or P2 licence;
• Have been relicensed after a drink driving or drug driving cancellation;
• Are a restricted motorcycle rider;
• Are a driving instructor;
• Drive a bus or commercial passenger vehicle; and,
• Drive any rigid or articulated truck greater than 4.5 tonnes GVM.
Unlicensed drivers are also subject to 0.00 BAC.
Police warn there will be zero tolerance for drink driving – with first-time offenders who go even a little bit over the limit facing substantial penalties, including fines, loss of licence and disqualification.
The penalties are significantly more severe for drivers with higher BAC readings and repeat offenders – including possible jail time for the most serious offences involving alcohol.
Police are targeting impaired drivers as part of Operation Roadwise, which runs until 23:59pm on Sunday 26 December.
There have been more than 72,000 preliminary breath tests conducted since the operation commenced on Friday, 17 December.
Police enforcement will continue throughout the New Year’s period, with a localised focus particularly in coastal locations and holiday hotspots.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Glenn Weir:
“It’s disturbing motorists who shouldn’t have any alcohol in their system are choosing to drink and drive.
“These motorists are demonstrating a blatant disregard to all road users, let alone their own safety and that of their passengers.
“There is absolutely no excuse for drink driving.
“You do not want to be responsible for a collision that results in serious injury or death as a result of driving drunk – the consequences are catastrophic.
“Police are conducting alcohol tests at every opportunity and if you think you won’t get caught – think again. We won’t hesitate to remove drink drivers from the roads – even if you’re only the slightest bit over”
