Still over the morning after

ACT Policing is urging Canberra drivers to think twice before drink-driving this holiday season, especially the morning after drinking.

This warning comes after police caught a 24-year-old Hawker man drink-driving at 9.40am on Friday (December 14). The man was detected speeding at 68km/h in the 40km/h zone along Barry Drive in Turner and returned a positive roadside screening test. He was taken to City Police Station, where he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.104.

Police have apprehended 42 drink-drivers so far this month (December 1-16), and have also detected three drivers under the influence of an illicit drug.

Last weekend (14-16 December), 20 people were caught drink-driving by police, with eight of those apprehended being special or provisional licence holders, which restricts their blood alcohol limit to zero.

The dangers associated with drink-driving were clearly demonstrated early Saturday morning (December 15), when a 20-year-old man crashed his Holden utility into a house in Harrison, causing approximately $60,000 damage. No-one was injured as a result of the collision.

The 20-year-old driver, who was a provisional licence holder, returned a positive roadside screening test and was taken to Gungahlin Police Station, where he returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.092.

He was charged with drink-driving, driving whilst suspended, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and not displaying P-plates. He will be summonsed to face the ACT Magistrates Court on 6 February 2013.

Acting Superintendent Rod Anderson said removing impaired drivers from ACT roads continues to be a focus for police this month, particularly this weekend in the lead-up to Christmas.

“As there are a lot of Christmas parties planned and people out celebrating this time of year, we are reminding motorists not just about planning how to get home after the party, but to think before driving the morning after drinking.”

“We will be out in force conducting random breath testing at all hours. If you think you may still be over the limit the morning after, don’t drive as you will be caught by police.”

If you are aware of anyone who may be driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]