ACT Policing is turning its Traffic Focus towards impaired driving for the month of December ahead of the busy Christmas New Year festive period. 

Last year, ACT Policing charged 794 people with drink driving – a figure which has already been exceeded in 2022 (796 as at 30 November). 

While charges for drug driving are on course to be lower this year – 495 in 2021, 400 as at 30 November – impaired driving remains a significant issue in the ACT. 

In recent months, police have seen drivers return concerning breath analysis results for alcohol, including 0.295 (close to six times the legal limit), 0.185 (close to four times the limit), and 0.149 (close to three times the limit). 

Just this week, Road Policing conducted more than 1,000 random breath tests, detected three drink drivers, and issued 19 Traffic Infringement Notices for other offences. 

Acting Inspector Ken Williams, Officer in Charge of Road Policing, said police want everyone to have an enjoyable festive season, but also a safe festive season.

“The summer months bring a rise in parties, end of year celebrations, and public holidays, but sadly we also see a rise in antisocial, illegal, and potentially dangerous behaviour,” Acting Inspector Williams said. 

“We have already seen 18 people die on ACT roads this year, and many of these incidents have seen alcohol or drugs play a significant factor. 

“Put bluntly, if you drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, you significantly increase the risk of causing a collision, potentially seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.

“Police want to see people make smart choices and take personal responsibility for their actions on the roads.  

“The best advice we can give this festive season is if you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Have an alternate plan of how to get home, whether that is with a designated driver, using public transport, or a rideshare service. 

“This decision could save your life, or the life of someone you love.”