Police hunting the party drivers

ACT Policing is targeting alcohol and drug impaired driving over the next three months as part of its multi-agency road safety strategy.

At different periods during the year, the strategy targets specific issues and behaviours which contribute to death and serious injuries on Canberra’s roads, with alcohol and drug impaired driving among those concerns.

Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations Station Sergeant Rod Anderson said police will have high-visibility patrols conducting both targeted and random breath testing during the months of November, December and January.

“Removing all impaired drivers off ACT roads remains a strong focus for ACT Policing, particularly over the upcoming summer months, where we typically see an increase in the consumption of alcohol and drugs due to the warmer weather and end of year celebrations,” Station Sergeant Anderson said.

“If you think you can avoid police by driving home using back streets, think again – every police vehicle is equipped to be a mobile breath test station, so you can get caught anytime or anywhere.”

ACT Policing officers have conducted 102,550 random roadside breath tests from 1 January to 1 November this year, with 1,066 drivers returning a positive result. Of the 1,066 positive results, 343 were repeat offenders.

“Police are continually frustrated and disappointed at the number of repeat drink-drive offenders who treat the law and the safety of other road users with such indifference and contempt,” Station Sergeant Anderson said.

“The community needs to be aware of the huge risk these offenders present to all road users. Recidivist drink-drinking is a community issue. If someone knows of a person who is a repeat drink-drive offender, they should say something or contact police and we will take action.”

“By removing alcohol and drug impaired drivers from our roads, overall community safety is improved and the potential for serious or fatal accidents is greatly reduced.”

“Our statistics on fatal collisions show that every drink-driver we take of the road potentially saves a life in Canberra.”

Alcohol is consistently in the top three causes of road-trauma, along with speeding and failing to wear seatbelts.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]