People celebrating Year’s Eve urged to plan ahead to avoid drink driving

People planning to celebrate the New Year have been urged to plan ahead so they don’t end up violating drink-driving laws.

Transport Minister John Mickel said drink-driving simply wasn’t worth the risk. The same applied to anyone who drove while under the influence of drugs.

“Drink-driving or driving while under the influence of drugs is a dumb and dangerous thing to do.

“Not only do people place themselves and others at increased risk of having an accident, with possible extremely serious consequences, if caught they also will be fined and lose their driver’s licence.

“People need to plan ahead so they don’t end up in a drink-driving or drug driving situation.

“If they are going to drink, then they should think about, for example, arranging for someone to be the designated driver, or catching a cab or organising a lift.

"It's important that drivers, especially young drivers, don't let anyone pressure them into driving if they have been drinking."

Mr Mickel said party hosts needed to be vigilant and keep an eye on guests who might not be fit to drive.

"Insist on calling a cab for your guest or set up a carpool for them with another guest who is able to drive," he said.

"Keep an eye on the size of the drinks you pour, always make non-alcoholic drinks available and serve food where possible. Bear in mind it doesn't take many drinks to be over the legal limit.

"Don't forget also that you not only can be stopped for a random breath test, but you can be pulled over for a random roadside drug test.”

Queensland police officers are out in force this holiday period and will stop motorists, truck drivers and motorbike riders randomly to conduct alcohol and drug testing.

As a general guide, men can usually have two standard drinks in the first hour and one every hour after that while women can only have one per hour.

Learner, provisional and probationary licence holders are reminded that they must have a zero blood alcohol content at all times.

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