myPolice column: the costly mistake more young drivers are making after a big night out

With the Silly Season kicking off it is important that our community plans ahead for nights out and ‘Wakes Up’ to drink driving the morning after.

Sunshine Coast Police have seen an alarming increase in the number of young drink drivers and are asking our community to help better educate them.

Before you drive the next morning, you need to consider how much you have had to drink and if there has been enough time for your body to process the alcohol.

You should allow at least one hour for every standard drink consumed.

As an example six schooners of heavy beer equals 9.6 standard drink – so if you had your last drink at midnight you may not be safe to drive until 10am the next morning.

This is a guide only and it is important to remember that everyone is different!

Make sure you plan ahead – if you are going to have drink nominate a designated driver, arrange a lift or take a taxi!

Key facts around drink driving:

• If your alcohol concentration is 0.05, you are twice as likely to have a crash then a driver with no alcohol in their system.
• Two people who drink the same amount of alcohol may register very different readings.
• Your alcohol concentration can continue to rise for up to 90minutes after your last drink.
• The legal limit in Queensland is BELOW 0.05 for open licence holders.
• If you are caught drink driving you will have to go to court and you may receive a fine, have your licence suspended or disqualified, have your vehicle impounded or an alcohol ignition interlock fitted, even go to prison. You may even end up with a criminal record, which can impact of future job opportunities or travel to some countries.

Stay safe on our roads and enjoy the festive season!

This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.