Interlock plea food for thought

A NEW road safety message emerged in a Geelong court yesterday, when a man was urged “Don’t eat and drive”.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie issued the warning to a Belmont man who claimed a pizza, a hot dog, mouthwash and a Baker’s Delight roll had each been responsible for him having alcohol on his breath when blowing into his car interlock.

Belmont’s Cameron Barclay, 52, has had the interlock on his car for a year after losing his right to drive because of a drink-driving charge, but applied to have it removed in court Monday.

Ms McGarvie asked Mr Barclay about the five times the device stopped him driving because it found alcohol on his breath.

He said none of the breaches happened because he had been drinking, blaming mouthwash and fast food for the readings.

He said one offence happened moments after he had used mouthwash in preparation for going to bed, saying he was diverted by his wife, who asked him to move a car from their driveway.

Ms McGarvie pointed out the offence happened about 7pm.

The man said he believed the yeast in a roll was responsible for another of his interlock breaches, and said other times he had eaten pizza, while another slip-up was caused by a hot dog.

With a hint of scepticism, Ms McGarvie pointed out that even if she allowed him to remove the interlock, he would still have to be alcohol-free while driving.

She said if she were to believe his claims then the chances of him being caught driving with a reading over 0.00 and losing his licence again were high.

She adjourned his application to March 19, saying the bid to remove the interlock would only be considered if he kept a clean sheet for the next three months.

“Don’t eat. Just do not eat before you drive. Don’t use mouthwash, just don’t use mouthwash for three months. Just don’t use the things you say have caused these readings,” Ms McGarvie said.