The behaviour of a driver who blew almost 10 times the legal alcohol limit has been called “absurd” by Otago cops, who caught dozens of motorists speeding or drinking over the weekend.
In the Otago Coastal area, more than 50 motorists were hit with speeding infringements, while, seven drivers were dealt with by police after blowing over the legal breath alcohol limit, Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen said.
“Five drivers were suspended after being clocked exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, while two were identified at nearly triple the legal breath alcohol limit,” he said.
“They have been summoned to appear in the Dunedin District Court at a later date.
“More than 50 other drivers were issued infringements, five for excess alcohol and the remaining for speeding.”
Meanwhile, police in the Otago Lakes region were shocked to discover a driver in Cromwell blew almost 10 times the legal breath alcohol limit.
“This is absurd and dangerous, and we are glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences,” Hemmingsen said.
He added: “The speed limit is just that – a limit – and not a target.”
Hemmingsen warned the roads in the region are more hazardous during the winter months.
“Your speed, state of mind and manner of driving really make a difference, especially at this time of year when black ice forms and fog can often stretch the open roads,” he said.
“Especially with the adverse conditions winter often brings, it is essential that you judge the right speed for that stretch of road in those conditions.”
People should always carry cash in case their phone runs out of power and they need to call a taxi, Hemmingsen said, suggesting people should have a plan B for getting home.
“We see too many preventable deaths on our roads, and we make no apology for targeting these high-risk driving behaviours including restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed.”
