If you’ve failed roadside alcohol testing in the past, you’ll understand the embarrassment and shame that it can cause. Not to mention, the fine you’ve had to pay or the nuisance of being without a licence for an extended period.
So, spare a thought for celebrities and other well-known people who have failed alcohol testing. While our embarrassment is limited to within the circle of our family and friends, their shame is publicised for all the world to see.
Famous people to fail roadside alcohol testing
Let’s face it, the list of famous people to fail roadside alcohol testing could go on and on. So, here are some honourable, or more correctly dishonourable, mentions:
- Wayne Rooney
- George W. Bush
- Paris Hilton
- Kiefer Sutherland
- Mel Gibson
- Justin Bieber
- Keanu Reeves
- Lindsay Lohan
- Tiger Woods
- Michael Phelps
- Mike Tyson
There have also been plenty of celebrities caught by alcohol testing in Australia. People like:
- Just last year, a former front man for a well-known band was charged with high-range drink driving in NSW after a traffic accident. It’s not the first time that the singer has failed roadside alcohol testing.
- Also last year, a famous actress was charged with low-range drink driving.
- In 2021, a Victorian state politician failed alcohol testing with a BAC of 0.131.
- A lifesaver who appeared in Bondi Rescue was caught driving three times over the limit. The incident is several years ago, however, it’s worth highlighting because this is someone who normally saves lives as a lifeguard, who made a bad mistake and put his life and the lives of others at risk.
- Mayor of a Brisbane council area who failed alcohol testing after crashing her car into a tree.
One thing that this list shows, is that anyone can fail roadside alcohol testing by making a silly mistake. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an actor, a music artist, an athlete, an accountant or an arborist, alcohol testing will catch you if you drink and drive.
Embarrassment and shame not the worse outcome
While all these incidents have no doubt resulted in embarrassment and shame, it’s certainly not the worst outcome. Whether you’re a celebrity or not, if you get behind the wheel of a car when you’re over the limit you’re risking a heck of a lot. In a bad-case scenario, you could have an accident and hurt yourself or hurt someone else. In a worse-case scenario, your mistake could result in a death.
Perhaps the most well-known incident resulting in the death of a celebrity in Australia was AFL footballer Darren Millane. He was killed when the car he was driving clipped a truck and rolled in Albert Park. His autopsy revealed his blood alcohol level was 0.322 or around six-and-a-half times the legal limit.
Drink if you want, but don’t drive
As the Recording Artists, Actors & Athletes Against Drink Driving say, “There’s nothing good that can come from drink driving. Don’t get us wrong: we’re not saying don’t party – there’s nothing wrong with having a good time. But if you’re going out, plan ahead.”
IMAGE CAPTION:
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an actor, a music artist, an athlete, an accountant or an arborist, alcohol testing will catch you if you drink and drive. Credit Teo Do Rio https://unsplash.com/photos/EUO7L470LXk and Scott Rodgerson https://unsplash.com/photos/ffH_GkINfyY. Images modified.
