POLICE say the best way to avoid being a drink driver is to plan not to drive if you plan to drink.
Despite the allowable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05 per cent being in place for more than 25 years, they’re still regularly finding drivers over the limit.
Driving drunk or stoned is the major contributor to about 30 per cent of fatal crashes on our roads.
“People still aren’t getting the message,” said acting Senior Constable Wendy Tamblyn of Warwick police.
“It’s not a new concept and it’s disappointing we’re still detecting drivers intoxicated on drugs or alcohol.
Const Tamblyn said people often misjudge how much they’ve had to drink.
“They assume because they don’t feel intoxicated that they’re under the legal limit,” she said.
Guidelines exist to guide drinkers, but they vary according to the individual’s body weight, gender, consumption of food, and medications.
Generally speaking a male can have 2 standard drinks in the first hour and one each hour thereafter, while females should stick to one standard drink per hour.
Restricted drivers- learners, P-platers, driving professionals must maintain a zero BAC.
Const Tamblyn said alcohol and drugs can slow reaction times – crucial in an emergency situation – and inhibit the clear thinking needed for multi-tasking as you drive. Alcohol and drugs can reduce the ability to recognise driving hazards.
Const Tamblyn said if a roadside test indicated a driver was over the legal limit for alcohol they would be required to accompany police to a station where a further test will be conducted by an approved officer.
A drug test requires a sample of saliva to be sent to a lab to be tested for cannabis, methyl amphetamines, and MDMA, the active ingredient in Ecstasy.
“There will be zero tolerance,” Cont Tamblyn said.
“Any trace of the nominated drugs in your system and you can be penalised.”
“Whenever you are unsure of the effect of alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, don’t drive,” she said.
