New TAC Campaign Targets Young Drinkers

15 May 2008

MEDIA RELEASE - 15 MAY 2008

Young drinkers have been targeted in the TAC's next effort to tackle drink driving and reduce the number of fatalities on Victorian roads.

Minister for the TAC Tim Holding said a new public education campaign would start tonight to remind young road users of the dangers of drinking and driving.

"This campaign specifically targets the high number of young men putting themselves and others at risk because of drink driving," Mr Holding said.

"Portraying young men in a social drinking environment, dealing with alcohol in a responsible manner is a new approach which TAC research indicates resonates with young Victorians. The campaign seeks to educate and remind drivers that it is difficult to gauge your blood alcohol level so if you are at all unsure, you shouldn't get into a car."

More than one in four drivers and motorcyclists killed in Victoria last year tested at or over 0.05. Almost 80 per cent of those killed were male with the majority aged 21 to 39 years.

"That is a shocking loss of 62 lives - each having a significant impact on their family and friends," Mr Holding said.

"Young drivers clearly need to know more about the ways a person's body processes alcohol. Weight, metabolism, food intake, rate of consumption and level of fitness all affect blood alcohol levels."

"The bottom line is - we all need to plan ahead if we are going to have a drink and don't leave it to chance."

Tips and information to help drivers manage alcohol and driving are available from today on the TAC's website including information on standard drinks and locations of hotels and clubs with breathalysers. Information and tips for drivers are available at www.tacsafety.com.au

Mr Holding said the public education campaign was part of the State Government's Arrive Alive road safety strategy.

He said there were three critical factors recognised internationally as the best ways to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads:

• changing driver behaviour (through the TAC's public education campaigns and Police enforcement
• road safety infrastructure; and
• safer vehicles.

The campaign starts tonight on TV, radio, outdoor billboards, cinemas and online.

The 2008 road toll at midnight on 14 May 2008 stood at 128, compared with 110 at the same time last year.