Cat fans warned not to drink and drive

22 Aug 2008

MEDIA RELEASE - FRIDAY, 22 AUGUST, 2008

Minister for TAC Tim Holding visited Geelong today to inspect building progress at the TAC’s new headquarters which will accommodate 650 TAC staff from January 2009. The TAC’s move to Geelong is expected to generate $59 million per annum to the Geelong region’s economy.

Mr Holding also warned Geelong residents not to drink and drive as the 2008 home and away footy season draws to a close and with the finals set to start in two weeks time.

Mr Holding said it was appropriate to celebrate the Geelong Football Club’s season with a drink as long as you don’t get behind the wheel.

“Almost 30 per cent of drivers and motorcyclists killed last year had a blood alcohol reading over 0.05,” Mr Holding said.

“All of these deaths are preventable just by planning ahead.”

“Geelong fans shouldn’t let their celebrations turn into tragedy by drink driving.”

Of the 62 drivers and motorcyclists killed in 2007 with a BAC at 0.05 g/100ml or over:

• 87 per cent were males;
• 31 per cent were between 21 and 29 years of age, 32 per cent were aged between 30 and 39 years, 19 per cent were aged over 40, and the remaining 18per cent were 20 years of age or younger;
• 77 per cent  were involved in single vehicle crashes;
• 55 per cent of fatalities occurred on country roads; and
• 77 per cent died in crashes that occurred between the hours of 6pm and 6am .

“Driving is a complex task requiring a high degree of alertness and judgement as the traffic situation unfolds around you. Alcohol impairs your ability to both be alert and to make timely and safe decisions,” Mr Holding said.

“Don’t become another statistic in the Victorian road toll.”

The following tips will help football fans to get home safely after the game:

• Plan ahead and organise a non-drinking designated driver;
• If you’re drinking, make sure you eat regularly;
• Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water;
• Use the breathalysers at the footy grounds or licensed venues but remember that your blood alcohol level can continue to rise after you have stopped drinking; and
• Track your consumption based on a standard drink (about 100ml of wine) and only drive if you are sure are safe to do so.

The 2008 road toll at midnight on 20 August 2008 stood at 202, compared with 193 at the same time last year.

The Geelong region's road toll was 9 at midnight on 21 August 2008 , compared with 5 at the same time last year.