12 April 2011

Strathfield Council is urging everyone to take care on the roads these holidays, with the RTA making available breath testing machines at two licensed venues in Strathfield over the Easter and ANZAC long weekend.

The two breath testing machines will be available for patrons to check their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the Crossways Hotel and Strathfield Golf Club from April 14 as part of the Local Government Road Safety program.

The message of the campaign is to encourage patrons to plan how they will get home before they start drinking.

Police will be out in force across Sydney over the Easter and ANZAC long weekend, with those who choose to drive with a blood alcohol concentration over .05 (or zero for provisional licences) likely to be arrested and lose their licence.

Mayor of Strathfield, Councillor Tony Maroun said that driving home after a big night should never be the option.

“Strathfield Council and the RTA are working together to make our roads safer over the Easter and ANZAC long weekend.

“The holidays are a great time to relax and for many, that means enjoying a few drinks in a social setting. But choosing to drive after a enjoying a few too many drinks is simply irresponsible. If you are going to drink, plan another way home,” he said.

In the five years from 2005, drink driving killed or injured 30 people in Strathfield. Statistics show that drivers with a BAC of .05 have double the risk of a collision and drivers with a level of.08 are seven times more likely to crash. Drinkers are reminded to arrange to share a taxi with friends, catch public transport, ride with a driver who has not been drinking or taking drugs or organise a lift from a friend or relative.

Drivers are also reminded that double demerits will apply from Thursday 21 April to Tuesday 26 April inclusive for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a helmet (when riding a motorcycle).

Stay safe on the roads this holiday season and stay under the legal limits.