A 36-year-old woman was caught driving badly impaired, over three times the legal alcohol limit, on Monday morning.

Sergeant Colin Wright says this recent example demonstrates the risk that drivers take if they get behind the wheel when they’re impaired.

About 10am on Monday 6 October Detectives Karin Wakefield and Piet De Vegt, from Whanganui Criminal Investigations Branch, were driving to an appointment in Taihape in an unmarked police vehicle.

They were held up in road work traffic near Whangaehu on SH3 when they were approached by an observant driver from the vehicle in front.

He said the car in front of him had been swerving all over the road.

As traffic started moving, he pulled over to let the detectives pass, and they observed the dangerous driving firsthand.

They pulled over the vehicle in Whangaehu village and, not having a breath test device to hand, called for a nearby Constable for support.

The breath test found the driver was 3.5 times the legal limit.

“She was oblivious to her offending and even said she had dropped her children off at school that morning,” Sergeant Wright says.

She was arrested and is due to appear in Whanganui District Court today, Tuesday 7 October.

“It was also quite clear this driver needed help, and a referral has been made for support with alcohol and drug issues.

“We catch people driving impaired at any time of the day.

“Their families are put at risk. And as fellow road users, our families are put at risk.

“Our staff see devastating consequences of drunk drivers far too frequently.

“These detectives had to change their plans for the day, but it’s highly likely they prevented a serious incident.

“It’s a good reminder to all drivers that they can expect to be observed, stopped, and breath tested anywhere, at any time,” Sergeant Wright says.

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