Territorians are encouraged to find their Sober Bob and stay safe this Christmas season, in a campaign to reduce alcohol-related trauma on Territory roads.
The 2018 Sober Bob campaign encourages Territorians to not drink and drive, and to use a designated sober driver to get home after enjoying Christmas and New Year festivities.
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Chief Executive, Andrew Kirkman, said despite years of anti-drink driving messaging and enforcement, drink driving is still a major issue on our roads.
“The Christmas period is a special time to spend with family and friends, and with the festive celebrations in full swing, the Sober Bob campaign is a clear reminder to all Territorians to think twice before getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks,” said Mr Kirkman.
“Before going out, plan ahead and ask yourself ‘Who’s my Sober Bob?”
“A Sober Bob is someone who is willing to get you home safely. They could be a mate, a bus driver, a taxi driver, a rideshare, your mum, father, brother, partner, aunty or uncle.”
Drink driving is particularly highlighted around seasonal events such as Christmas, Easter, major community events and long weekends.
40 percent of the lives lost on our roads and over 20 percent of serious injuries are related to alcohol.
A blood alcohol reading of 0.05 doubles your risk of being involved in a crash.
“Too many people are dying on our roads. The road toll is currently 47, 20 more than the 2017 toll and 2 more than the 10 year average. This number is unacceptable. Together we all need to work towards zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Kirkman added.
“Don’t drink and drive, it’s not worth the risk.”
Territorians are encouraged to take advantage of the free bus services operating on New Year’s Eve. The services will operate from 7 pm on 31 December 2018 to 6.30 am 1 January 2019.
Services will depart Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston Interchanges, picking up and dropping off at all bus stops along the route.
For more information visit https://dipl.nt.gov.au/initiatives/whos-your-sober-bob.
For more information regarding bus services, visit https://nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling/public-buses.
ENDS
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