Road authorities have spoken out against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as day six of National Road Safety Week begins.

The eight-day campaign is aimed at reducing driver fatalities.

As part of the campaign, Tasmania Police and the Road Safety Advisory Council has this week conducted public displays that warn against the “fatal five” contributing factors in most serious road crashes – inattention, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while under the influence, and not driving to the conditions.

Tasmania Police Northern Commander Brett Smith said that police would be paying particular attention to drink driving over the next 24 hours. 

“We won’t always be seen,” he said.

“In addition to the familiar breath test operations, there will be less visible activity.”

Drink-driving is a major factor in crashes and is socially unacceptable, Road Safety Advisory Council chair Jim Cox said.

He said people who do it endanger their lives and those of others, and said alcohol was a factor in one in five road fatalities and serious injuries.

“Make a plan about how to you will get home before you have a drink. Then there’s no risk to you, your family, friends or others on the road,” Mr Cox said.