‘Irresponsible’ driver crashes

A YOUNG driver who allegedly fled police at 180kmh before he crashed while intoxicated has been slammed as ‘‘totally irresponsible’’ by a road safety advocate.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said officers attempted to stop a vehicle after it was clocked driving at 142kmh in a 100kmh zone on State Highway 1 near Henley about 6.30pm on Thursday.

The 18yearold driver fled, reaching speeds of up to 180kmh and overtaking into oncoming traffic.

The pursuit was abandoned and the driver was last seen turning in the direction of Taieri Mouth.

Distraction caused the driver to crash down a bank into some bushes about 40 minutes later, as he was on the phone telling his friends about running away from police, Snr Sgt Bond said.

The driver was breathtested and recorded a breathalcohol reading of 307mcg, Snr Sgt Bond said.

He was charged with dangerous driving, aggravated failing to stop and drinkdriving.

Automobile Association district council Otago chairman Malcolm Budd said the behaviour of the driver was ‘‘totally irresponsible’’.

When people were signalled to stop by a police officer, they should do so.

People were pulled over for a reason, and fleeing only put themselves, the public and police at risk, Mr Budd said.

‘‘You’re not going to get away with it,’’ he said.

The road toll was out of control and police could only do so much.

Ultimately, people needed to take some personal responsibility.

‘‘Imagine if he had hit someone headon,’’ Mr Budd said.

The most recent road policing data shows there were 464 fleeing driver incidents in the Southern district in the year to September 2022.

Police pursuit policy was changed in December 2020, following a string of highprofile deaths.

In the 12 months prior to the policy change, there were 238 fleeing driver incidents in the Southern district.

The policy is set to be reviewed this year and a new framework for police pursuits introduced.