‘Absurd’ number of drivers caught driving drunk

A combination of checkpoints and random roadside stops has found more than 60 people driving under the influence of alcohol during the month of August.

Tasman road policing manager inspector, Hamish Chapman, is disappointed and appalled by these results.

“This is absurd and dangerous, and we are glad this didn’t result in more serious consequences,” he says.

Of the 61 drivers who received infringements for driving over the legal breath alcohol limit, a few of those registered a breath reading of more than 1100mcg/L of breath. The legal limit is 250mcg.

“If you’re on the road driving towards a driver with that reading, it doesn’t make you feel safe, certainly not me,” Hamish says.

One of these high readings was near midday.

“These ones we look at what’s causing this, it’s not solely an enforcement act.”

That could mean referrals to other agencies to help the driver address what is going on for them and, in turn, help contribute to safer roads.

Hamish says checkpoints will be both short and sharp, and a longer duration to drum home that police are out “anywhere, anytime”.

If you know someone has had a few drinks, or is over the limit and about to drive, say something. Police want people to enjoy themselves but if you have had too much, call a family member, a friend, or a taxi to pick you up – never get behind the wheel.

While Hamish says that finding that many drivers over the limit is “frustrating and disappointing”, there are also a lot of drivers doing the right thing.

Infringements were issued across the region, from Golden Bay to Hira and everywhere in-between.

“I said to the team, what’s the measure of success for us? Is it catching these drivers or is it conducting a checkpoint and catching no one?”

He says catching no one would indicate that the prevention messages are working.

“It’s really cool seeing a checkpoint and they say this is my plan B, they might be in a taxi, or with a designated sober driver, doing everything right.

“Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing that.”

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