BUS DRIVER NINE TIMES OVER LEGAL DRINK LIMIT
Man held after he’s pulled over on motorway
GARDAI arrested a bus driver who was nine times over the alcohol limit, it emerged yesterday.
Officers spotted his “mid-sized, singledeck” vehicle moving erratically on the M7 shortly after 7pm on Tuesday.
A Garda spokeswoman said there were no passengers on board when it was pulled over by Naas Road Policing Unit near Newbridge, Co Kildare.
She added: “The driver, a male in his 60s, tested nine times over the limit for drink-driving and was arrested and taken to Naas Garda Station.
“He was charged in relation to the incident and is due to appear before Naas District Court on October 17.” The blood alcohol limit for professional vehicle drivers is 20mg – the same as for learners but 30mg lower than normal road users.
Garda posted details of the incident on social media to highlight the dangers
of getting behind the wheel intoxicated. And members of the public responded expressing their shock. One wrote: “Nine times, is this a record? I hope there were no passengers.
“I hate the attitude to booze in Ireland and it needs to be tackled in all aspects of life. Thankfully, the police seem to be Rihanna shows off products in Sydney yesterday on the ball in this respect.” Another said: “These drivers should be completely banned from driving.”
The Road Safety Authority says onein-three road deaths is caused by alcohol.
A driver found guilty of being over the limit faces an automatic ban under new legislation in effect since the summer.
A standard drink – a small glass of wine or beer – is enough to put someone over the legal limit. The disqualification periods for drink-driving offences range from three months to six years.
Refusing to provide a sample of blood, urine, or breath will earn you an automatic disqualification of four years for a first offence and six years for a second.