Highway Patrol police such as Sergeant Scott Roberts and Sergeant Pat McGavigan are determined to get drink drivers off the streets. 45355
By Lia Bichel
POLICE said they believe people were “getting the message” after reporting that the number of drink drivers caught in Greater Dandenong has dropped.
In Dandenong, 287 drink drivers were caught in 2009, down from 358 caught in 2008.
In Springvale, 262 drink drivers were caught in 2009, down from 360 caught in 2008.
Despite the decrease, the two areas were named as drink driving hot spots on a Victoria Police list released this week.
The list names the top 20 suburbs where drink-drivers have been caught over the past five years. Dandenong was number seven on the list with 1800 people detected for drink driving offences since 2005.
Springvale was number 13, with 1502 people detected for drink driving offences since 2005.
Highway Patrol Sergeant Brett Shenton said he was pleased to see the numbers have dropped from 2008 to 2009.
“Our focus on drink driving hasn’t diminished, so the suggestion that the statistics have dropped show that perhaps people are getting the message,” he said.
“We have run a lot of operations in relation to drink driving throughout the year, and more during high profile times such as grand final time and spring racing. But we will continue to target drink driving throughout the year.”
Topping the hotspot list was Frankston and Geelong.
Road Policing Inspector Martin Boorman the statistics highlight the consistent enforcement of drink driving laws state-wide.
“The current road toll is higher than it was at this time last year – we are really concentrating on bringing the road toll down and as drunk drivers are among the most dangerous, we will stop at nothing to ensure they are taken off the roads.
Insp 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.
