DRUG USE

AND DRUNK DRIVING DON’T RISK IT

What is it?

YOUR LIFE
TOWARDS
Drink driving, also known as
driving under the influence (DUI)
or driving while intoxicated (DWI)
refers to the act of driving after
YOUR FUTURE
ZERO
consuming alcohol or other
substances that affect a persons
ability to drive safely.

These substances impair an

YOUR CHOICE
individual’s judgement,
coordination, reaction time and
ability to make decisions, DRIVE SOBER
significantly increasing the risk of
crashes.

CONTACTS, HELP & MORE

Did you know? INFORMATION:

Road crashes are a leading cause of serious National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline:
injury and death for young people. 1800 250 015
(for confidential advice and support).
In 2021, over one in five road deaths involved
a driver with an illegal blood alcohol Your Future. Drive It 13 YARN: 13 92 76
concentration (BAC).
Sober. (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
In 2022, 30% of fatal crashes in Australia were people needing crisis support).
caused by drink driving .

Teenagers are disproportionally involved in NSW Centre for Road Safety:

road accidents, and impairment due to (offers information on road rules and
alcohol or drugs is a significant contributing safety campaigns.)
factors.
 Alcohol Consumption It’s NOT worth the RISK
Drunk-driving or drug-driving can lead to severe
consequences, including:
TOWARDS ZERO
Drunk driving refers to driving a vehicle with a
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the Serious Injury or Death:
legal limit. For teenagers, this limit is often zero For yourself, your passengers and innocent road users.
or a very low due to "zero tolerance" laws.
Alcohol significantly impairs a driver's ability by Legal Penalties:
slowing reaction times, reducing coordination, Fines, loss of license, criminal record imprisonment.
distorting perception, and diminishing
judgment, making it dangerous to control a
Financial Costs:
Vehicle damage and legal fees.
Drug Use
vehicle safely. The impact on driving is
profound, leading to an increased risk of Impact on Future:
Education opportunities, difficulty getting jobs, travel Drug use road accidents occur when individuals
collisions, often with severe or fatal outcomes.
restrictions, social stigma drive a vehicle under the influence of both illegal
or prescription drugs that impair their ability to
Teenagers caught drunk driving face serious Emotional Impact: drive. The impact of drugs on driving varies
consequences, including license suspension, Guilt, grief, long-term psychological impact on those depending on the substance but effects
hefty fines, mandatory alcohol education involved and their families.
commonly include slower reaction times,
programs, and potentially a criminal record,
impaired judgment, distorted perception of
which can affect future education and Safer Alternatives speed and distance, reduced concentration, and
employment opportunities.
Instead of risking your life and future, choose safe options: increased risk-taking behavior.
In Australia, approximately 4% of teenagers Plan ahead: Depressants like cannabis or opioids can cause
have driven under the influence of alcohol or Always plan how you’ll get home before you go out. Have a drowsiness and reduced coordination
drugs in the past year, highlighting the designated sober driver.
widespread nature of this risky behaviour.
Public Transport: Stimulants like amphetamines can lead to
Utilise buses and trains . overconfidence and aggressive driving
Zero Tolerance
Australia has a zero Blood Alcohol Rideshare or Taxis: Legally, drug driving carries severe
Concentration (BAC) limit for learner and Use a taxi or a rideshare service such as Uber.
consequences, similar to drunk driving,
provisional drivers. including loss of license, fines, and potential
Walk Safely:
If it’s a short distance and safe, walk with friends. imprisonment, with a criminal record.

Stay Overnight: In Australia, almost 4% of teens reported having

Your Future. If possible, stay over at a friend’s place. driven while under the influence of alcohol or
Drive It Call a Parent/Trusted Adult: drugs in the past year, underscoring the urgent
Have a conversation with your parents or a trusted adult need for targeted interventions to address this
Sober. about being picked up. dangerous trend