Police Crack Down on Drink and Drug Driving Ahead of AFL Grand Final Long Weekend
Police are cracking down on drink and drug driving for the AFL Grand Final long weekend, with zero tolerance and high visibility on roads across the state as part of Operation Scoreboard. The operation, which began on Thursday, September 26, aims to reduce road trauma and promote safe driving habits.
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Last year, during the same operation, 343 drink and drug driving offences were detected by police, out of over 115,000 tests conducted. This translates to one in every 529 drivers being caught for drink driving. As the number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year reaches 211, police have found that impaired driving from alcohol or drugs has contributed to at least a quarter of fatalities, with speed being the primary contributing factor.
According to provisional police analysis, many drivers caught over the limit have cited miscalculation of alcohol consumption as the reason. This suggests that some individuals are willing to risk drinking before getting behind the wheel. To combat this dangerous behavior, police are reminding motorists that they can expect to be tested at any time during the long weekend, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.
With the long weekend coinciding with school holidays and an RDO for the industrial sector, police will also be highly visible on major roads leading to regional areas and popular holiday destinations. Drivers heading away for the weekend are being urged to stick to speed limits, take regular breaks, and avoid distractions while traveling on regional roads.
Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Glenn Weir emphasized that there is no excuse for driving impaired. He stated, “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 utilize alternative transport options.” He added, “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?”
Operation Scoreboard will be in effect from 12:01 am on Thursday, September 26, until 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 29.”
