Otago Coastal Area Prevention Manager Inspector Mel Aitken is disappointed with the high number of people caught drinking and driving over the weekend.
17 people, aged from 19 - 61, were processed for driving with excess breath alcohol between Friday and Sunday, with breath alcohol results ranging from 250 – 935 mgms.
"We work very hard on keeping the roads safe from our consistent messaging through to our enforcement," says Inspector Aitken. "It is highly disappointing that people are prepared to take risks, as well as putting other road users in jeopardy.
"Furthermore, Saturday nights weather was atrocious so the fact that drivers would choose to drive intoxicated in such conditions adds to the stupidity and poor judgement of those apprehended.
"The majority of motorists on the roads are responsible however the message is still not getting through to some people. The safety of our roads are the responsibility of everyone who uses them, and the message is extremely simple; if you drink, don't drive.
"The same goes for passengers and those who see people wanting to drive after drinking. If you stop a family member or friend from driving after drinking, you could not only save their lives, but the lives of other drivers and passengers."
ENDS