There are two things that every November expand significantly across Victoria. The first is the sudden surge of self-proclaimed racing experts as the Melbourne Cup approaches. And the second is the increase in roadside drug and alcohol testing operations, aiming to catch those who take the celebrations a step too far.
In 2025, Victoria Police have really cracked the whip when it comes to high-risk driving running Operation Furlong over the five days of the Melbourne Cup long weekend. During the operation, police detected more than 6,600 offences across the state.
Key results from Operation Furlong included:
- 234 drink driving offences from 108,910 breath tests (1 in 465 drivers)
- 135 drug driving offences from 3,079 roadside drug tests (1 in 22 drivers)
- 2,900 speeding offences
- 459 disqualified, suspended, or unlicensed drivers
- 594 unregistered vehicles
Sadly, despite police efforts, two lives were lost over the long weekend.
Why Roadside Drug and Alcohol Testing Matters
Analysis in Victoria shows that impaired driving is one of seven key contributors to serious injuries and fatal collisions on our roads. Operating any vehicle requires full concentration, and impairment—whether from alcohol, drugs, medical conditions, or fatigue—significantly reduces a driver’s ability to respond to road conditions safely.
Some key statistics underline the importance of drug and alcohol testing, as well as education:
- 48% of Victorians admit to driving after two or more alcoholic drinks.
- One in five drivers killed on Victorian roads have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or higher.
- In the past five years, 41% of drivers and motorcyclists killed had drugs in their system.
- Around 30 deaths and up to 200 serious injuries each year are attributed to fatigue-related collisions.
Victoria Police: Expanding Drug and Alcohol Testing
To reduce harm from impaired driving, Victoria Police has increased both the number of trained members able to conduct roadside drug testing and the number of drug testing locations, which has grown from 72 to 141, particularly in regional areas.
These measures are part of a broader commitment to road safety. By enforcing rules, conducting regular testing, and educating the public, Victoria Police aim to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities caused by impaired driving.
For individuals, the message is clear: don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plan ahead, use a taxi or rideshare, or designate a sober driver. Simple, responsible decisions like these can make the difference between getting home safely or becoming an unwanted statistic.
What’s the message for Victorian workplaces?
Festivities like the Melbourne Cup carnival and the upcoming Christmas and New Year season can lead to an increase in people coming to work under the influence.
Protect your workplace, by creating a robust and detailed drug and alcohol policy, educating your people on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and implementing a drug and alcohol testing program.
Integrity Sampling in Victoria can help with all three of these key requirements. With 10 locations across Victoria, we have all of your workplace drug and alcohol testing requirements covered.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Discover how Victoria Police are tackling impaired driving. Learn key facts about drug and alcohol testing in Victoria and tips for safer driving. Credit TAC.
SECONDARY IMAGE CAPTION:
Taking a punt on the horses is fine, but taking a punt by driving impaired is not. Drug and alcohol testing in Victoria is waiting to catch you if you do. Credit Philippe Oursel https://unsplash.com/photos/3v7qofrkMXk
