Warning for drink drivers ahead of the weekend

Following a disappointing Compulsory Breath Test operation last weekend, Counties Manukau Police are hopeful that a simple message – “don’t drink and drive” – will get through to motorists before tragedy strikes.

On Friday and Saturday 25 and 26 July, Police set up several checkpoints throughout Counties Manukau District to test for excess breath alcohol. With 7,500 cars passing through the checkpoints over the weekend, Police found 39 drivers over the legal alcohol limit.

“Earlier in the year were pleased with the progress the community has made with drink driving, with only 23 motorists found in a similar operation over a weekend,” says Inspector Neil Fisher, Counties Manukau Police Prevention Manager. “Unfortunately only a few months later we’ve found far too many people behind the wheel when they shouldn’t be. Drink driving is not tolerated in our community and there is no excuse for not arranging a lift home after having a few drinks or organising a sober driver.

“We know our community does not want dangerous drivers on the road and motorists must remember that by choosing to drink and drive, they are not only taking a risk with their own lives but also with the lives of other drivers and their passengers, who are also using the road,” says Inspector Fisher.

Drivers should expect to be breath tested at any time and in any place, with both Compulsory Breath Test checkpoints set up throughout the District as well as random roadside breath tests given to anyone who is pulled over for any reason.

With 22 unrestrained infants found in a short seatbelt operation a week ago, finding 39 drunk in the weekend drivers is a disappointment for Police.

“We hope not to see these statistics repeated this weekend,” says Inspector Fisher. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and all drivers must understand their responsibility to keep their passengers safe – that includes both making sure the little ones are buckled in and staying sober behind the wheel.”

ENDS

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