By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Thursday, December 16, 2021
Despite a downward trend in motorists caught drink driving during December over the past seven years, RAA’s urging people to leave the car at home over the Christmas period.
In December 2020, 336 motorists were fined for drink driving, just 10 less than the year before.
However, it’s 31% less than in 2014 when 485 motorists received expiation notices for drink driving during the final month of the year.
While 2020 saw police hand out the least amount of drink driving fines in seven years, 217 people had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, resulting in an automatic licence disqualification and court appearance.
If a motorist returns a blood alcohol test between 0.05 and 0.079 for the first time, they face a $771 fine, a $92 Victims of Crime Levy and four demerit points.
With this in mind, RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain has urged partygoers to consider the consequences of drink driving this festive period.
“People celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve should leave their car at home if they’re planning to have a few drinks,” Mr Mountain said.
“The price of a taxi or ride share is much cheaper than the consequences of being caught drink driving.
“Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your driving ability and increase your chances of being in a crash.”
Research shows that the crash risk for a driver with a BAC of 0.05 is twice as high as it is for a driver with no alcohol in their system and increases to four times as high for a driver with a BAC of 0.08.
After-midnight buses are available from the city on Saturday nights, with four running to the east and hills, one to the west, four to the north and three to the south.
These buses stop at bus stops and well-lit locations on the route, like service stations or fast-food outlets, if you need them.
Drink drivers in December
| 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 485 | 473 | 408 | 477 | 392 | 346 | 336 |
You could also designate a driver for the night. However, if you put this plan in place, there are a few rules everyone needs to follow.
- If you’re the ‘deso’ driver, make sure you keep that promise and don’t drink any alcohol.
- The designated driver makes the rules. You need to concentrate on the road if you’re driving, so your passengers should be respectful even if they’ve had a few too many drinks.
- Organise who you’re giving a lift to before the drinking begins and make sure there aren’t more passengers than there are seats.
- Keep some water and plastic bags in your car as people can overdo it during the festive season. Water will help keep your guests hydrated, and the bags are for any unexpected accidents on the way home.