Footy fanatics, don't let this year's footy finals be your last

Getting together to watch the footy finals is a tradition at this time of year whether you're at the game or at a mate's house.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Paul Lucas, said everyone should enjoy this year's ARL and AFL grand finals but asked those planning on having a few drinks while watching the game should plan ahead to avoid drink-driving.

"Whether footy fans are celebrating or commiserating it's not uncommon for them to underestimate how much alcohol they've consumed before they're over the legal limit of 0.05% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to drive," Mr Lucas said.

“Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol are two times more likely to be involved in a crash and footy season is a time when most people get together to have a few drinks with their mates to watch the game.

“We don’t want our footy fans to become statistics so plan ahead – from 1 January 2001 to 31 May 2006, there were 464 fatalities and 4,522 hospitalisations from crashes on Queensland roads where alcohol was involved,” Mr Lucas said.

"As a general rule to stay under the limit, men can have two standard drinks in the first hour and one every hour after that, while women can have one standard drink in the first hour and one every hour after that."

Mr Lucas warned however that these are guidelines only; body weight, height, metabolism, what you have eaten and medications can all affect how quickly a person reaches 0.05% BAC.

"The only sure-fire way to avoid trouble and get home safely is to catch a cab, public transport, a hotel courtesy bus or nominate a designated driver,” Mr Lucas said.

"That way you're not risking your licence, your life or the lives of other motorists by drinking and driving.”

Mr Lucas also warned pedestrians walking from venue to venue or home after a few celebratory drinks to be careful and walk on footpaths only.

"Footy fans need to be aware of their vulnerability if they walk home after having a few drinks. An impaired sense of balance and timing, and a general feeling of invincibility are just two alcohol-induced behaviours that can get a drunk pedestrian into trouble."

Intoxicated pedestrian are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than pedestrians who haven't been drinking.

From 1 January 2001 to 31 May 2006, there were 654 alcohol-related pedestrian casualties in Queensland. Of these casualties, there were 89 fatalities and 327 hospitalisations.

"All pedestrians, drunk or sober, should cross the road at crossings, lights and other designated areas where you can be sure that motorists can see you and you can see motorists," Mr Lucas said.

"Motorists should also keep an eye out for pedestrians and remember drunk pedestrians can be very unpredictable so be prepared if they step out on the road unexpectedly.

"Keep an eye out for people walking dangerously close to the street curb and reduce your speed in hotspots like the city and around nightclubs and sporting venues.

"Don't ruin a great footy season by drink-driving or by being irresponsible on the streets while intoxicated. Be sensible and plan ahead so this year’s footy season is not your last,” he said.