Driver was so drunk she fell from her car

A MOTORIST who was so drunk she fell out of her car when pulled over by Tasmania Police has been slapped with a 12-month driving ban.

Issuing an update yesterday on Operation Crossroads, police said the 56-year-old woman’s car had been seen veering into oncoming lanes at Legana, near Launceston, on Thursday night by an off-duty officer.

When pulled over, the woman fell out of her car and registered a blood-alcohol reading of 0.176 — more than three times the legal limit.

Inspector Darren Hopkins said she had been disqualified from driving for 12 months and would appear in court at a later date. “Anyone who drives when they could be over the limit is putting their own and other lives at risk,” he said in a statement.

“If you think you could be over the limit, then don’t risk it.

“And don’t let others drink drive either.”

Speeding continues to top the infringement notices issued by police during their latest road safety blitz.

A total of 172 speeding tickets were handed out yesterday, bringing the Operation Crossroads total to 860 for the festive season.

A further 13 drivers were fined for not wearing seatbelts, while eight failed drug or alcohol tests.

Inspector Hopkins said officers would continue to patrol the roads in marked and unmarked cars in an effort to keep Tasmania fatality free.

“Speeding continues to feature every day [in Operation Crossroads] and I urge drivers to please drive to the speed limit and to the conditions,” he said.

“Speed is a key factor in so many crashes and — like all the fatal five contributors to crashes — it’s easily avoided.”

The warning comes as revellers in southern Tasmania start hitting the highway for the Falls Bay.

Police have promised a “proactive and highly visible” presence at entertainment hot spots across Tasmania during the next few days to ensure everyone can celebrate in a safe environment.

Targeted areas for patrols will include the Falls Festival and entertainment zones in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie.

“Additional high-visibility police patrols will visit entertainment areas and licensed premises to deter alcohol-related violence and offences,” Tasmania Police Inspector Jo Stolp said.

“The risk of anti-social behaviour is higher when large groups of people consume alcohol and we’re urging everyone to drink responsibly.

“We want people to have a good time but reinforce to everyone not to overindulge and let their behaviour ruin the night for anyone else.” Festival at Marion