Drink drivers choose convenience over safety

15 Apr 2010

MEDIA RELEASE: 15 April 2010

Regional Victorians are choosing convenience over safety, admitting they often drink drive because it's the easiest way to get home.

The Transport Accident Commission's latest regional research has uncovered attitudes towards drink driving and enforcement in major regional cities.

Local residents shared their attitudes to the road rules in frank focus group discussions.

The TAC's Senior Road Safety and Marketing Manager John Thompson expressed alarm that many people chose to drive home as it was easier and cheaper than making other arrangements.

"It seems that many had good intentions to leave the car at the pub overnight but lack of planning led them to take up the easier, but incredibly dangerous option, of driving home," Mr Thompson said.

"Limited taxi availability in regional areas is contributing to these decisions, so it's important to plan ahead."

"Get a lift with a designated driver who won't drink, plan to spend the night in town or pre-book a taxi," Mr Thompson said.

The survey also revealed the belief that there was little chance of getting caught.

"Many drivers surveyed confessed to sometimes driving while over 0.05: 30% in Geelong, 23% in Shepparton and Warragul, 18% in Bendigo," Mr Thompson said.

"Three per cent of Ballarat drivers surveyed said they always drove when over 0.05."

"This is alarming, especially when drivers also admit their fears of losing their licence, or worse, causing an accident or injury while drink driving."

"They know the consequences but just think it will never happen to them. People need to learn that they are not invincible," Mr Thompson said.

"Driving at 0.05 doubles your risk of crashing; and at 0.10 you're seven times more at risk."

The TAC regional research was conducted in late 2009 (.pdf 21k) with Sweeney Research in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Warragul and Shepparton. It's the second time that regional focus groups have been held to uncover attitudes to driving behaviours.

For further information please contact: Emily Bogue 5225 6450, 0429 416 778.