Drink driving is one of the most significant causes of road trauma and death. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Victoria and all other states in Australia is below .05. Probationary licence drivers (P plates) and learner drivers (L plates) must only drive with a zero BAC.
Drink driving
Drink driving is a major cause of death and permanent injury. You might think that the risk of being ‘caught’ drinking and driving is less in country areas. You also might think that you are okay to drive after a few drinks, but you are wrong.
It is well proven that being over .05 drastically increases the risk of death or serious injury – for you, your passengers and people in other cars.
Alcohol and country roads do not mix. Alcohol and working machines or motor bikes on the farm do not mix. Country people die on country roads and drink driving is a factor in the rural road toll.
If you’re going to an event that involves alcohol, pick someone to be your designated driver – a person who won’t be drinking and will be responsible for getting others home safely. If you’re on your own and you’ve had too much to drink, don’t drive home, stay with a friend or sleep it off in your car.
Studies have shown that alcohol is often involved in rural accidents at a higher rate than city accidents. Remember just because you are not the designated driver doesn’t mean you should drink too much and get drunk.
References used for this topic page
More information:
Research & reviews:
Alcohol & Alcoholism
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (US)
Last reviewed:
19-August-2010
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