Speedy learner was also drinking

WHEN Tasmania Police pulled over a speeding L-plater, things only got worse.

Not only had he been drinking but his supervising passenger was more than three times the alcohol limit.

The dubious driving duo was busted in the state’s North-West during a national road safety blitz.

Operation Safe Speeds is a 24-hour crackdown on leadfoots which ran on Thursday.

Senior Sergeant Ian Mathewson said the driver was caught travelling at 107km/h in a 90km/h zone on the Bass Highway at Don, near Devonport, on Thursday afternoon.

The 42-year-old then returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.07.

Police then turned their attention to his passenger who was meant to be supervising his L-plate friend.

“Unfortunately it only gets worse, the front-seat passenger of the vehicle who was providing vehicle instruction and effectively had control of the vehicle also exceeds the prescribed alcohol limit,” Senior Sergeant Mathewson said.

A breathalyser test saw the man, also 42, return a highrange reading of 0.156.

Snr Sgt Mathewson said the behaviour was very frustrating.

“It is disappointing to see such blatant disregard for our road rules,” he said.

“Police do find that very frustrating [but] this is only a small percentage of road users, the majority know the road rules and obey them.

“But unfortunately, it’s that small percentage that causes the risk.

“It only takes one driver to do the wrong thing and it can end up in tragedy.”

He said passengers supervising learner drivers needed to act as if they were behind the wheel because they “in effect have control of the vehicle”.

“There are obvious significant concerns with the driver’s behaviour and the apparent attitude displayed by the accompanying licensed driver.

“There would appear to be little regard for their own safety as well as the safety of other road users and can simply be described as irresponsible and reckless.”