"We want people to celebrate the end of a busy year and the holiday season with work colleagues. But we also want everyone to make sure they have options in place to ensure that they get home safely," Inspector Andrew Burns, southern district road policing manager, said.
ACC's southern region injury prevention team leader Heather Rivett said people often ignored the actual cost to the community of crashes that occurred due to people driving drunk.
ACC estimated alcohol-related crashes cost the country at least $50 million in medical and rehabilitative costs alone per year. In the Otago-Southland area, alcohol and speed-related injuries cost about $8.5 million each year.
"That's a huge figure and one that is largely preventable. It's clear that in many cases New Zealanders are simply ignoring the drink-drive message, or gambling that it won't be them that crashes or kills someone," she said.
Police throughout the region are cracking down on drink-drivers. Dunedin police apprehended two drivers over the limit while breath-testing every driver passing through the Octagon on Saturday night.
"These are the sorts of tactics motorists can expect to see leading up to Christmas. Our aim is to breath-test as many motorists as we can over this period. Drivers can expect to come across alcohol checkpoints throughout the city."
Christmas party message
• Event organisers should ensure the safety of people attending.
• Hosts should provide transport for guests, non-alcoholic alternatives and ensure people who have been drinking do not drive.
• People should not bring their cars to work the day of the shout/party. Organise rides home beforehand.
• Driving could still be impaired the next day. Do not drive if you suspect you are still under the influence.
Source: Inspector Andrew Burns, Southern District road policing manager
