The Transport Accident Commission has launched a new drink driving campaign as it approaches the end of one of the worst years in recent history on Victoria’s roads.
While one fatality is one too many, Mitchell Shire fared reasonably well compared to other LGAs in 2023, with four people losing their lives.
In fact, it has seen the opposite trend of most of Victoria, with that figure being the lowest for the past four years.
In contrast, Greater Shepparton has had 14 people die on the road since January, nine more than the same time in 2022.
Across the Hume region, 57 people have lost their lives on the road this year, a jump of 22 from the same time in 2022. Statewide, that number was 272.
The new road safety campaign will highlight the dangers of low-level drinking and driving and bust the myths people believe about how to stay under .05 when drinking alcohol.
The latest TAC Road Safety Monitor report reveals a concerning 48 per cent of Victorians would still consider driving after two or more alcoholic drinks.
The advertising campaign Stop Kidding Yourself has a simple message.
If you drink, don’t drive. Remove the guesswork, and don’t risk it.
The impactful new campaign combats key myths on the speed at which people drink, how many standard drinks are appropriate per hour, if people have had enough water, how much people have eaten and even body size.
The ad campaign also emphasises one of the mandatory penalties for all drink drivers caught in Victoria — having an interlock device installed.
Of all the substances that are tested roadside, alcohol remains the most represented drug in fatally injured drivers — with close to one in five drivers and riders killed being over the legal limit.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said Victorians would see and hear the new campaign across TV, online, radio, music streaming platforms, cinemas, regional press, social media, outdoor advertising, and billboards until January 31.
“Alcohol remains a leading factor in trauma on our roads,” she said.
“Stop Kidding Yourself busts the major myths surrounding drinking alcohol and driving, urging Victorians to prioritise safety on our roads.
“Even in small amounts, alcohol affects perception, vision, concentration, reaction time and causes drowsiness — all of which increases your risk of making a tragic mistake on the roads. It’s not worth the risk — if you drink, don’t drive.”
For more information on the campaign, visit: www.tac.vic.gov.au/