People who drive after drinking when they may be over the legal limit endanger their lives and those of others, road safety authorities said today.

Drink-driving is a major factor in crashes and is socially unacceptable and people who do it endanger their lives and those of others, Road Safety Advisory Council Chair Jim Cox said today.

Alcohol was a factor in one in five road fatalities and serious injuries, he said.

“Make a plan about how to you will get home before you have a drink.  Then there’s no risk to you, your family, friends or others on the road,” Mr Cox said.

Police Commander Brett Smith said that Police would be paying particular attention to drink-driving over the next 24 hours.

“We won’t always be seen,” he said. “In addition to the familiar breath test operations, there will be less visible activity.”