Two high range drink drivers caught

ACT Policing has issued 90-day Immediate Suspension Notices to two high-range drink drivers this week, one of whom drove into a LPG tanker.

The first driver, a 48-year-old man, was detected about 9.30pm Wednesday, 26 May 2021 when police conducted a traffic stop as the car exited the Mawson Shops.

After failing his roadside test, the driver underwent breath analysis at Woden Police Station. He registered a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.261, more than five times the legal 0.05 limit.

In the second incident, about 8.15pm on Thursday, 27 May 2021, a 33-year-old Calwell man drove his Ford Territory into the rear of a LPG tanker at the intersection of the Monaro Highway and Sheppard Street.

When police attended the scene, the man failed a roadside breath test and recorded a BAC of 0.227 at Tuggeranong Police Station.

Officer in Charge ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Stephen Booth said these incidents had all the makings of a disaster.

“How anyone who has drunk enough to be this far over the legal limit can even think it’s a good idea to drive defies understanding,” Acting Inspector Booth said.

“The drivers were both very drunk and reckless. We really shouldn’t have to say this, but if you’re drinking, please do not drive.”

Both men will be summonsed to court on dates to be fixed.

The 48-year-old man will be charged with high-range drink driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 33-year-old will face charges including high-range drink-driving, driving under the influence, not maintaining proper control of a vehicle, and using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

Media enquiries

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