21/11/01
Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts sent a sobering message to all Western Australian motorists today to protect themselves and others over the festive period by not drink driving.
Launching the new State-wide campaign today, Mrs Roberts said it would focus on increasing public awareness as well as police enforcement.
"While the majority of people understand the danger, there are still far too many people who ignore the message that drink driving does cause death and trauma," she said.
"We want motorists to realise that when they drink and drive they not only risk their own lives and those of their families, but also those of other innocent people."
Mrs Roberts said the new TV commercial targeted young males - statistically, the worst drink driving offenders.
"While young males are worried about getting caught and the consequences, they don't believe it will happen to them - a belief that they are immune," she said.
"They also believe that they can be slightly over the .05 limit and still be safe drivers.
"Along with nearly half the total driving population, these young males think that if they are just over the limit, they are unlikely to be caught."
At the launch, Mrs. Roberts was joined by emergency services personnel, who outlined their own experiences in attending about 50 drink driving fatalities every year.
Fire and Rescue Service Station Officer Danny Mosconi said that drink driving tragedies had more far-reaching effects than many people realised.
"It's not just the victim's family and friends who are traumatised," he said.
"All the emergency services personnel involved have to deal with the tragedy as well.
"I hope that all Western Australian drivers spare a thought for others over this period and with some commonsense and planning, they can prevent others from having to suffer the dire consequences of drink driving."
Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600
