Most people can't accurately tell their blood alcohol levels and those planning to drink at events this holiday season shouldn't drive at all, authorities have warned.
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Drinking water, soft drinks or low-alcohol options between full-strength beverages, timing yourself and drinking on a full stomach are some of the tricks that won't work to keep everyone under the .05 limit.
Tracey Slatter from the Victoria's Transport Accident Commission says everyone has their personal tried and true methods, but the safest bet is to stay sober.
"Many people think they can manage their blood alcohol level by following a set of vague rules handed down through generations, but the only way to avoid the risk entirely is to completely separate drinking and driving," she said.
Age, gender, weight, overall health, the time of day and general levels of alcohol tolerance all play a part in someone's blood-alcohol content.
Those variables have prompted police and the commission to launch a new campaign to bust driving myths and warn of the risks during the holiday season.
Victorian Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said alcohol remained a leading cause of trauma on the road.
Alcohol is detected in almost one-in-five people killed in road accidents, either drivers or passengers.
"Even in small amounts, alcohol affects perception, vision, concentration, reaction time and causes drowsiness ... all of which increases your risk of making a tragic mistake on the roads,' she said.
"It's not worth the risk, if you drink, don't drive."
The Stop Kidding Yourself campaign will feature across TV, online, radio, music streaming platforms, cinemas, regional press, social media, outdoor advertising, and billboards from December 4 to January 31.
Australian Associated Press
