A new road safety campaign is urging Tasmanians to stop and think about the devasting consequences that can result from driving over the legal alcohol limit.
The tagline “Are you honestly thinking of risking it” underpins the Road Safety Advisory Council’s (RSAC) new campaign, and challenges people of all ages to pause before making a decision that could change their lives and the lives of others.
Set in a familiar family kitchen, the television commercial follows a father as he heads out the door for work. As he kisses his family goodbye, his mind jumps forward to later that day, thinking ahead to an after work social function, and the confronting thought of what could happen if he chose to drive home over the limit. The new campaign focuses not just on the risk of dying, but also the devastating reality of losing your licence, your mobility and your independence.
RSAC Chair Scott Tilyard said while the campaign is likely to resonate during the festive season, when social events and last-minute decisions are more common, the message is relevant all year round.
“A lot of people who get caught over the limit didn’t actually plan to drive over the limit,” said Mr Tilyard.
“They either misjudged how much they’d had to drink or made a snap decision later on, thinking they’d be okay.
“This campaign asks Tasmanians to be honest with themselves. While the fear of dying isn’t always front of mind for drivers who take risks, the thought of losing your licence, your livelihood or the freedom to do simple things with your family often hits closer to home.”
Around 300 people are seriously injured or killed on Tasmanian roads each year.
Tasmanian crash data shows that alcohol continues to play a significant role in serious road trauma. Between 2015 and 2024, alcohol was a contributing factor in around 15 per cent of all fatalities and serious injuries, a figure that has remained relatively steady over the past decade. For fatalities alone, alcohol is present in around 25 per cent of cases.
“This new campaign highlights that consequences are in your hands; you have the power to shape what happens next. Every decision you make helps determine the outcome,” said Mr Tilyard.
Planning ahead is key.
“If you are planning on drinking, remove the risk altogether – don’t take your car, plan ahead, book a ride, stay with a friend or organise a safe way home before the night gets away from you. And if plans change, as they often do, and you have more drinks than expected take a moment to reassess and make a safe call. That choice could protect, you, your family and everyone else on the road.”
Mr Tilyard also urged friends to call their mates out if they can see someone is about to make a bad decision.
“Sometimes an honest conversation is what stops someone getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. While today we’re focusing on drink driving, we also know that drug driving is a significant and growing issue. The message is the same – if someone’s not fit to drive, speak up, it could save a life.”
