Public information aids apprehension of heavily intoxicated driver

At 2.16pm on Wednesday 18 May 2011, Police received information from a member of the public in relation to a vehicle travelling on State Highway 29, Kaimai Ranges which passed on no passing lines and was weaving over the road.

Shortly after this information was passed to patrol staff, the vehicle overtook a marked police patrol vehicle on State Highway 29 and the driver was stopped a short distance further on. The driver was described by the Police staff as grossly intoxicated.

The driver underwent breath testing procedures resulting in one breath alcohol reading of over 1100 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath, almost three times over the legal adult limit. The driver went on to request a blood sample and later passed out whilst at the police station.

The driver, a 52 year old local woman had travelled from Tauranga and is believed to have been making her way to Hamilton.

The driver was suspended from driving and Police are awaiting the analysis of the blood sample.

Senior Sergeant Campion said that the reporting of this incident to police is very likely to have prevented injury, or even worse, to other innocent road users and the informant is to be commended.

Ian encourages the use of the *555 reporting system to advise police of poor driving and says that whilst Police may not always be in a position to intervene, there are a significant number of calls which result in drivers being taken off the road or prosecuted.

Ian said he was appalled by the high alcohol level and it is one of the highest readings over recent times in the Western Bay of Plenty.

"Despite widespread media coverage and consistent targeting of drunk and drugged drivers the message was still not sinking in with some motorists.

"This follows a total of 30 drink and onoe drugged driver facing prosecution after last week's alcohol operation."

Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said it simply defies logic that someone would get in behind the wheel of a vehicle when they are clearly intoxicated.

The police Winter Action Plan in now in full swing with at least two police patrols deployed to State Highway 29 on most days.

The focus on drunk and drugged drivers in the Western Bay of Plenty will continue and he pleads with drivers to use their common sense and not get behind the wheel after they've had a few. All drivers can expect to be breath tested anytime, anywhere.

Help make our roads safer - don't drink and drive.