Police checkpoints catch out drink drivers on rural roads
"We can’t be beside you in the car telling you to slow down, or to put your seatbelt on." Senior Sergeant Mark Clayton
Police are urging Hawke’s Bay drivers to take care when out socialising this summer after rural checkpoints picked up several drivers under the influence.
About 500 drivers were tested across six checkpoints across the district, including in Patoka and Waimarama, over the weekend.
Seven drivers were summonsed to court, while three others received infringement notices after being processed for excess breath alcohol. Response manager for road policing Senior Sergeant Mark Clayton said road safety was something each individual had to take responsibility for.
“We know there are four main behaviours which contribute to death and injury on our roads; people driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired (by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue), driving while distracted — including using a cellphone — and not being properly restrained.”
“However, police can’t control the actions of every driver 24/7,” he said.
“We can’t be beside you in the car telling you to slow down, or to put your seatbelt on.”
He said officers targeted times and locations they know are high risk to help with prevention, especially leading into the summer months and holiday period.
“Socialising is fun, but drinking and driving should not be mixed. If you’re going to drive, avoid alcohol.”
Alcohol and drugs are a factor in about a third of all fatal crashes, he said. “If you are in any doubt at all about being safe or legal to drive after drinking, don’t drive.”
Tired driving can be just as dangerous as drink driving and he urged motorists to take regular breaks to stay fresh and alert.
The legal drink drive limits for drivers 20 years and over are a breath alcohol limit of 250 micrograms (mcg) of alcohol per litre of breath and a blood alcohol limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.