Police are urging motorists to carefully consider how long alcohol can remain in their system following routine traffic stops in Southland today.
Two drivers, one of which was in a school zone, underwent evidential breath testing (EBA), after they were stopped by Police this morning for exceeding the posted speed limit. Both blew over the legal alcohol limit.
Both drivers admitted to drinking alcohol the night before, but got behind the wheel this morning, incorrectly assuming that it had cleared their system already.
They were issued with infringement notices for driving with excess breath alcohol, and for exceeding the speed limit. They were also forbidden to drive for 12 hours.
Constable Mike Ryder says these incidents are a timely reminder that alcohol can remain in a person's system much longer than many people realise.
"People often assume that after a night's sleep they will be under the legal limit and safe to drive.
"That is not always the case.
"There is no quick way to sober up - a cup of coffee, a cold shower, or a good night's sleep, will not speed up the body's ability to process alcohol.
"Time is the only factor that reduces alcohol levels," says Constable Ryder.
Police are urging anyone who plans to drink alcohol, to make arrangements beforehand. Never drink and drive, and exercise caution before driving the following morning.
"If you've been drinking the night before and you're not certain you're fit to drive, don't take the risk. Driving while impaired puts not only yourself at risk, but everyone else on our roads."
Police will continue to actively target impaired driving and unsafe road user behaviour throughout Southland, and anyone who witnesses unsafe road user behaviour should call 111 if it is happening now.
Non-urgent information can be reported through 105, either online or over the phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
