Police catch three high range drink drivers

ACT Policing issued three drivers with Immediate Suspension Notices (ISNs) after the drivers recorded high blood-alcohol levels on Saturday (20 March, 2020).

The first driver was stopped by police for a random breath test (RBT) in Melba St, Downer about 12.20am where he returned a positive result. The 43-year-old Watson man was then subjected to breath analysis at City Police Station and registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.121, more than double the legal limit.

The second driver, a 65-year-old Kambah man, underwent breath analysis at Woden Police Station after a single-vehicle collision on the Tuggeranong Parkway, Waramanga, about 7.15pm. He recorded a BAC of 0.156, more than three times the legal limit.

About 9.55pm police stopped the third driver, a 46-year-old Gungahlin man, for an RBT in Emu Bank, Belconnen and took him into custody. A breath analysis at Belconnen Police Station registered a BAC of 0.212, more than four times the legal limit.

All three drivers were issued ISNs, suspending their ACT licences for 90 days, and they will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Officer-in-Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier said she was disturbed by their behaviour.

“Anyone choosing to drink then drive is cause for concern, but these cases, on a rainy weekend are doubly concerning,” Detective Inspector Hofmeier said.

“The ACT isn’t forecast to receive the same amount of rain as other parts of the country, but in the next day or so we should see some very heavy rain, and I implore all drivers to do everything they can to stay safe.

“This includes slowing down and driving to the conditions, being patient, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When the road is wet, you need to give yourself the best chance to stay in control in any situation.”

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au