Police are warning there will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving over the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
Operation Scoreboard, which kicks off today, will see police highly visible on roads across the state in an effort to reduce road trauma.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said alcohol and drugs continue to contribute significantly to serious injury and fatal collisions, and yet it’s completely avoidable.
“The message is clear – alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix, so if you’re planning to celebrate over the AFL Grand Final weekend, plan ahead and leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport options,” he said.
“There will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving and police will be out testing anywhere, anytime this long weekend, so why take an unnecessary risk,”
“Motorists heading to regional areas this long weekend can also expect to see police highly visible. Slow down, stick to speed limits, manage fatigue by taking plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.”
Victorians celebrating the AFL Grand Final are being urged to plan ahead and utilise alternative transport, with widespread alcohol and drug testing to be conducted.
Last year, police detected 343 drink and drug driving offences during Operation Scoreboard, with more than 115,000 tests conducted.
Of those tested, one in every 529 drivers were caught drink driving during last year’s operation.
It comes as the number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year has reached 211, on par with the same time last year.
Provisional police analysis of this year’s fatal collisions indicates that impaired driving from either alcohol or drugs has contributed to at least a quarter of fatalities, with speed remaining the highest contributing factor.
Miscalculation of alcohol consumption continues to be one of the most common reasons cited by drivers who are caught over the limit, suggesting that many people are prepared to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.
Police are reminding motorists that they should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime this weekend, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.
With the long weekend in Victoria also coinciding with the school holidays and an RDO for the industrial sector, police will also be highly visible on major arterials heading to regional areas and holiday hotspots.
Those heading away for the weekend are being urged to stick to the speed limits, take plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.
Operation Scoreboard runs from 12.01am Thursday 26 September to 11.59pm on Sunday 29 September.
For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads this long weekend, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.
