New TAC campaign tackles low-level drink driving

25 Mar 2004

Media Release - 25 March 2004

TAC Minister Rob Hulls today launched a new public education campaign highlighting the dangers of low-level drink driving.

Mr Hulls said the campaign aimed to educate the public about the more subtle signs of intoxication and correct some commonly held misconceptions.

"The majority of people understand that driving with a blood alcohol concentration well over the legal limit is like holding a loaded gun, but there are still those in the community that think that if they're not obviously drunk then they're fine to drive," Mr Hulls said.

"This just isn't true. The reality is that impairment starts after a few drinks and at around .05 or just over, your reaction time and judgement is significantly reduced.

"Whilst a mispronounced word or a slight stumble is mildly embarrassing, once you get behind the wheel and turn the key it could easily be fatal."

Over the past five years, 21% of the 298 drivers and riders killed with an illegal BAC were between 0.05 and 0.10 – representing a low-level drink driving road toll of 62.

The new campaign draws upon the expertise of one of Australia's leading forensic physicians, Dr Morris Odell whose professional opinion is often sought by the State Coroner and Police in determining the cause of crashes.

"Dr Odell's collaboration with this campaign was crucial because it not only ensured the credibility of the scenarios portrayed, but also reflected the medical profession's desire to find a solution to what was an overwhelming social and health problem," Mr Hulls said.

"Last year 57 drink drivers lost their lives despite the best efforts of doctors and emergency and medical teams.

"Many more were lucky enough to survive but sustained serious injuries or killed or hurt others.

"Our health professionals see the physical and emotional repercussions of drink driving every day and so have much to offer when it comes to building strategies."

Exposure to alcohol has been shown to affect the function of various parts of the brain resulting in the disruption of muscular co-ordination, reduced cognitive powers, and an increased feeling of euphoria. Almost a third of all fatal crashes in Victoria involve a driver with an illegal BAC.

Media contact

Joel Deane 0407 139 441