Alarming road data has shown that a large number of drivers are drinking during the day and getting behind the wheel of a car.
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Victoria Police has launched a crackdown across the state, scheduling special daytime and early-morning operations to "keep drink drivers on their toes".
![Police run random breath testing. Picture Scott Gelston Police run random breath testing. Picture Scott Gelston](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/194363481/6a0f7c67-954a-4c84-99f9-4bbc8f219da7.jpg/r0_0_800_450_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"People might think drink driving is something that only occurs after dark but this data shows there's a lot of offending in the day," Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said.
"That's why police are out breath testing motorists around the clock," he said.
"If you think you can run the gauntlet, be it day or night, think again."
Daytime, weekday drink drivers
One in five drink drivers fined in Victoria was caught during daylight hours, according to Victoria Police analysis of data collected from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
Half of the offenders were caught on weekdays, the analysis found.
Of the 4900 drivers caught drink driving during the year, 1200 were nabbed between daylight hours from 6am and 6pm.
During morning patrols, between 6am and noon, more than 400 drink drivers were detected.
The night remains the most prolific time for drink drivers with 1900 fines issued between 6pm and midnight while a further 1800 fines were issued from midnight to 6am.
Around-the-clock testing
Victoria Police deploy a fleet of booze buses around the state and have equipped each police car with breath testing capabilities.
"Drinking and driving simply isn't worth the risk. The penalties for drink driving are severe," Mr Weir said.
![Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Glenn Weir. Picture AAP Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Glenn Weir. Picture AAP](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/194363481/9c6f8e2e-5026-429b-be8f-c2123c64208d.jpg/r0_34_800_484_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Heavy fines and loss of licence apply to those caught drink driving. Drivers could also face Behaviour Change Programs, alcohol interlocks, prison time and further blood alcohol restrictions.
"The consequences of being involved in a crash are even more serious and last a lifetime," Mr Weir said.
Help is available:
- For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
- Access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online at counsellingonline.org.au.
- For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to turningpoint.org.au.