With many Aussies set to hit the road for the Easter holidays, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation is urging drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel if they’re drinking or using drugs.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor AM, said alcohol is one of the leading causes of deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads. Sadly, last Easter break, 18 Australians lost their lives on our roads, an increase of over 60 per cent on the same period in 2021.
‘The Easter holiday period is a great opportunity to take a break and spend time with loved ones. With many events and holidays requiring travel on our roads, we’re urging drivers to put the safety of themselves and others at the top of their holiday “to do list”.
‘If you are planning on drinking or using drugs, it’s safest not to drive. And remember, sobering up takes time, so it might not be safe for you to drive the next day.
‘Blood Alcohol Content can continue to rise in the body for up to three hours after a person has their last drink, with the liver breaking down a little less than one standard drink per hour. When consuming other drugs, each takes a different amount of time to leave the body.
‘The only way to remove alcohol or drugs from your system is to allow the body to process it, and that time will be different for everyone,’ she said.
Small amounts not necessarily safe
Dr Lalor explained that alcohol and drugs, including many prescription and over the counter medications, can impact your ability to drive safely.
‘Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your concentration, judgement, and performance, putting you and others at risk on the roads.
‘Other drugs, including cannabis, can impact your alertness, and may cause you to drive too slowly, while stimulants, like amphetamines and cocaine might lead to increased risk taking behind the wheel, such as speeding.
‘We want everyone to get home safely over the Easter holidays. If you think you’ll be drinking or using drugs, plan how you are going to get home, ahead of time. Options include using public transport, pre-arranging a taxi or ride-share service, or allocating a designated driver.’
People can get more information from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website, including:
• Drugs and driving.
• Blood alcohol levels.
• Roadside drug testing.
For free support or advice, visit www.adf.org.au or call the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s DrugInfo line on 1300 85 85 84.
If you are worried about your own, or a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use, visit Path2Help. This tool will connect you with local services in your area that can help you have that initial conversation.
Other tips to reduce alcohol and other drug related harms over the Easter break:
- Monitor the number of standard drinks you consume each hour and if you intend to drive, remember your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be less than 0.05. If you’re on a learners or provisional licence, your BAC must be zero.
- Drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages. Eating before and while drinking is also recommended, as it will help to slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Avoid letting people top up your glass. This makes it difficult to keep an accurate track of how much you’ve had.
- Avoid mixed drinks like cocktails, as it’s difficult to tell how much alcohol they contain.
- Avoid drinking in rounds so you don’t feel pressured to keep up with your friends.
If you use prescribed or over-the-counter medication
- Always read the labels carefully and follow the directions and warnings.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it’s likely to affect your driving.
- Arrange alternative transport, if advised.
- If you are feeling drowsy, aggressive, dizzy, nauseous, light-headed or shaky, it can be dangerous to drive as this may impair your vision and ability to concentrate.
Illicit drugs:
- Remember use of any drug always carries some risk. Find out as much information about the drug before taking it. You can also have a small amount first and wait a couple of hours to see if you experience any adverse side effects.
- Avoid mixing with other drugs: Any drugs taken in combination, including alcohol or pharmaceuticals, increases the risk of harm.
- Don’t use drugs alone: stick with people you trust.
- Avoid getting behind the wheel: even in low doses, drugs can significantly reduce your driving skills. Each drug takes a different amount of time to leave your body.
- Don’t hesitate to call 000 in an emergency: This could be the difference between life and death. Remember paramedics are there to help and don’t need to involve the police.
