Police are warning people about drink-driving dangers and miscalculating alcohol intake during local football finals celebrations.
As end-of-season celebrations are in full swing, police are engaging with local football clubs and leagues to ensure precautions are in place for players and supports to safely enjoy celebrations.
Club officials and parents are encouraged to arrange alternative transport so players can celebrate with teammates and make it home safely.
Road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said end of season celebrations were commonly associated with social events and alcohol consumption.
“If you’re planning to drink, just leave the car at home and arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport methods,” he said.
“We’re also appealing to parents to speak with their kids about planning safe ways to get home before going out so they’re not tempted to drink and drive.”
Twenty-five per cent of drink drivers detected in Victoria are aged under 25.
Miscalculation of alcohol consumption has been identified as one of the most common reasons young drivers give police when caught over the limit.
“Far too often we hear from drivers who thought they’d be okay to drive after one or two drinks. The safest option is – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive,” Mr Weir said.
“We’ll be out conducting testing and focusing on areas where we know events and celebrations are taking place so don’t take the risk.”
Police also remind young drivers that penalties for drink-driving are significant with drivers aged under 26 or with zero blood alcohol content conditions receiving on-the-spot fines of $577 and six month licence disqualification for first offences.
Drink and drug driving continues to be targeted in the lead up to Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing effort over the AFL grand final long weekend.
