DRINK drive this weekend in the Central West and be prepared to see blue and red lights flashing in your rearview mirror.
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An intensive three-day operation by NSW Police began on Friday morning and will conclude at 11.59pm on Sunday.
"The odds aren’t in your favour" is the message from police as the operation began.
Officers will be intensively targeting impaired drivers begins across the state and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said complacency about drink driving was alive and well among Australian drivers.
“That leaves me absolutely disgusted – we are in a population where many of us have grown up with random breath testing,” he said.
That leaves me absolutely disgusted – we are in a population where many of us have grown up with random breath testing.
- Traffic and Highway Patrol Command Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy
During the same operation last year, police charged 415 people with drink driving offences.
Of these, 176 people were charged with driving with a low range PCA, 155 charges were laid against people driving with a mid-range PCA and 52 were charged with driving with a high range PCA.
“The number of low range PCA charges from this operation last year shows too many people are all too willing to take, perhaps, the dumbest gamble of their lives," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
He said alcohol left the body slowly over time and it was important that if you were having a night out this weekend to organise alternative transport home or accommodation.
Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said that there was no excuse to drink and drive.
He said the 0.05 had been in place for almost 40 years and motorists should know the limit.
"We know that the majority of people do the right thing, but this operation is a timely reminder that if you do break the law, police will be out in force and they will catch you," he said.
Tougher penalties now apply for drink driving following recent changes to the law.
"Alcohol Interlocks are now required for all mid range offenders, as well as high range and repeat drink driving," Mr Carlon said.
"Police can also impound the vehicle or seize the number plates of repeat, high risk drink drivers.
"If you are planning on having a drink this weekend make sure you have a Plan B to get home safely and don’t risk your life, and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel."