Police are warning there will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving over the AFL grand final long weekend.

Operation Scoreboard, which runs from 12.01am on Thursday, September 26 to 11.59pm on Sunday, September 29, will see police highly visible on roads across the state in an effort to reduce road trauma.

Victorians celebrating the AFL grand final are being urged to plan ahead and utilise alternative transport, with widespread alcohol and drug testing to be conducted.

Last year, police detected 343 drink and drug driving offences during Operation Scoreboard, with more than 115,000 tests conducted.

Of those tested, one in every 529 drivers were caught drink driving during last year’s operation.

It comes as the number of lives lost on Victorian roads this year has reached 211, on a par with the same time last year.

Provisional police analysis of this year’s fatal crashes throughout the state indicates that impaired driving from either alcohol or drugs has contributed to at least a quarter of fatalities, with speed remaining the highest contributing factor.

Police said miscalculation of alcohol consumption continued to be one of the most common reasons cited by drivers who were caught over the limit, suggesting that many people were prepared to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.

Police are reminding motorists that they should expect to be tested anywhere, any time this weekend, with significant penalties in place for those caught driving while impaired.

With the long weekend in Victoria also coinciding with the school holidays and a rostered day off for the industrial sector, police will also be highly visible on major arterials heading to regional areas and holiday hotspots.

Those heading away for the weekend are being urged to stick to the speed limits, take plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said alcohol and drugs continued to contribute significantly to serious injury and fatal collisions, and yet they were completely avoidable.

“The message is clear — alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix, so if you’re planning to celebrate over the AFL grand final weekend, plan ahead and leave the car at home, arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport options,” Asst Comm Weir said.

“There will be zero tolerance for drink and drug driving and police will be out testing anywhere, any time this long weekend, so why take an unnecessary risk?

“Slow down, stick to speed limits, manage fatigue by taking plenty of breaks and avoid distractions when travelling on regional roads.”

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Wednesday, 1st May 2024

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