ACT Policing detected almost 100 drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs during December as part of their targeted campaign against impaired driving.

Throughout December 2024, officers from Road Policing and General Duties teams from all five ACT stations conducted more than 17,000 random breath and drug tests. As a result, 98 drivers were caught driving under the influence, prompting immediate licence suspensions and upcoming court appearances.

Among the most concerning incidents were:

• A 31-year-old L-plater, subject to a zero-alcohol limit, recorded a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.169.
• A 28-year-old man driving erratically and mounting a curb returned a BAC of 0.227.
• A 25-year-old P-plater, also under a zero-alcohol limit, tested at 0.195 BAC.
• A 39-year-old disqualified driver recorded a shocking BAC of 0.295.
• Several other drivers were caught with BACs exceeding 0.17, with some involved in collisions or driving without valid licences.

All 98 impaired drivers were issued with Immediate Suspension Notices, leading to a 90-day suspension of their ACT licences. Each offender will face court at a later date.

Detective Inspector Mark Steel, Officer in Charge of Road Policing, described the results as disturbing and reiterated the dangers of impaired driving.

“This is not a new message, everybody knows the horrific and potentially fatal consequences driving while impaired can have for the driver, passengers and other road users,” Detective Inspector Steel said.

“Nationally, last year impaired driving was a contributing factor in 30% of all fatal collisions.”

“A driver found to be under the influence of alcohol at an RBT station was asked why he was drink driving. He told officers he didn’t think he would encounter police on his way home. No one should ever have the mentality that it’s ok to get behind the wheel and take the risk.”

“Police will continue to target those who drive impaired, and I’d once again like to remind Canberrans that you can be caught anywhere, any time. If you run the risk, prepare to face the consequences.”