IF you’re going to drink, don’t drive, the head of Albury police highway patrol has warned as officers prepare to saturate the streets.
Operation Drink Drive 1 runs until tomorrow night.
Albury highway patrol Sgt Matt Zemaitis said officers would be rostered on around the clock, conducting mobile breath testing on both major roads and back streets to catch those people silly enough to drink and drive.
“If you’re having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home. Too often drink-driving has resulted in some dramatic consequences,” Sgt Zemaitis said.
“Don’t run that risk.”
The Albury local command area will be supported by officers from the traffic and highway patrol command.
The state-wide operation will have officers across NSW conducting more than 100,000 random breath tests during the three days.
Operations commander Supt Stuart Smith said drink-driving all too often led to a far worse result than a driving suspension and criminal record.
“Anyone who drinks and drives needs to realise that the consequences of their actions could be horrific,” Supt Smith said.
“If you drink and drive, and have a crash, you could very well end up in jail or hospital.
“Worse yet, you may be burdened with a lifetime of guilt if your stupidity leads to the death of an innocent person or family.”
During last year’s Drink Drive 1 operation, police charged 187 people with drink-driving.
More than 2100 motorists were booked for speeding while more than 5000 road users were issued infringements for other driving offences.