Drink driving remains a persistent issue, contributing to 19% of all fatalities and 7% of serious injuries on NSW roads in 2020. Despite the well-known risks, some drivers still convince themselves they can handle driving after a few drinks. Many underestimate how even small amounts of alcohol impair critical skills like reaction time, decision-making, and coordination, while simultaneously overestimating their driving abilities. The decision to drink and drive often stems from prioritizing convenience over safety—a choice with potentially devastating consequences.

Transport for NSW’s 2023 campaign addresses this issue with a clear and impactful message: if you’re drinking, don’t drive. Through a striking video, the campaign challenges viewers to confront the overconfidence that often accompanies alcohol consumption. Using humor and relatable scenarios, it highlights how alcohol impairs balance, vision, and judgment, turning risky behavior into life-threatening outcomes. The video concludes with the memorable reminder, “What’s your Plan B?” urging everyone to plan a safe way home before they start drinking.

By emphasizing the irreversible consequences of drink driving and offering practical advice—like leaving the car at home and arranging alternative transport—the campaign encourages personal accountability. It aims to shift public attitudes, reminding us that no excuse justifies risking lives. Let’s all commit to making safer choices: if you’re heading out for a drink, plan ahead, and leave the car behind.

Find more from Transport for NSW (Australia, 2023)