Casey Highway Patrol Sergeant Pat McGavigan targets drink-drivers. 53726 Picture: Donna OatesBy Kelly Yates
NARRE Warren and Cranbourne are in the top 20 drink-driving hot spots – places where drink-drivers have been caught over the past five years.
Cranbourne was ranked 17th with 1317 people caught drink-driving and Narre Warren was 18th with 1291 caught.
Topping the hot spot list, compiled using data from booze buses and police interceptions, were Frankston and Geelong, with nearby Dandenong, Springvale and Pakenham also featuring in the top 20.
Casey Highway Patrol Sergeant Pat McGavigan said no matter how many warnings police gave to motorists about not drinking and driving, some still took the risk.
“Police are actively looking for people who drink and drive, to stop them and get them off the road before someone gets hurt,” he said.
“Studies have shown that drinking affects your ability to properly control a car, yet people are continually caught ignoring these studies and drinking and driving.”
Sgt McGavigan says police will target those who drink and drive.
“Police will continue to roster booze buses and satellite cars to catch those trying to bypass the booze bus,” he said.
“How ever you think to avoid getting caught – police are thinking about ways to catch you.”
Casey police, through financial support of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), will be rostering more cars and police in the coming months to step up enforcement.
“If you drink and drive you are a bloody idiot – not because you have been caught but because you have been warned before you are going to get caught,” Sgt McGavigan said.
Inspector Martin Boorman said it was “astounding” that so many people were willing to risk their lives, and the lives of others, by driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“Do not take the risk, designate a sober driver, catch a cab or use public transport,” he said.
