POLICE are urging Mornington Peninsula football fans about the dangers of miscalculating their alcohol intake at end-of-year and footy final celebrations.
Victoria Police data shows 20 per cent of drivers detected over the prescribed limit between April 2021 and March 2022 fell into the younger age bracket.
Miscalculation of alcohol consumption has been identified as one of the most common reasons given to police by detected young drivers.
Police say the trend suggests many choose to risk having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel rather than remaining sober or using alternative transport when drinking – despite probationary and learner drivers being required to have a zero-alcohol limit.
Across the state, police are actively engaging with football clubs and leagues to ensure precautions are in place for players and supporters to enjoy the celebrations safely.
Clubs and parents in local football communities are being encouraged to arrange alternative transport options so players can celebrate with their teammates and travel home safely.
Police said drivers aged under 26 or subject to zero blood alcohol content conditions receive a $555 on-the-spot 555 fine and six-month licence disqualification for a first offence, while novice drivers receive $462 fine and a three-month licence disqualification.
Other drink driving offences can result in further penalties including vehicle impoundment, licence cancellation or extensive disqualification, hefty fines and jail.
The warning comes as 161 lives have been lost on Victorian roads this year – above the five-year average of 153.
On 12 September 2021 at about 12.15am, police intercepted a 23-year-old Dromana man travelling east on Browns Road, Fingal.
The man returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.115, had his licence immediately suspended and his car impounded for 30 days.
The then 23-year-old was charged with exceeding the prescribed blood alcohol concentration, received a $450 fine and had his licence disqualified for 11 months effective from 12 September 2021.
His licence has since been re-instated with conditions of zero blood alcohol for three years and an alcohol interlock for installed for a minimum of six months.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 September 2022
