It seems that Justin Timberlake’s drunk driving antics has spurred a South Australian driver to new highs. Or should that be new lows? The driver was caught in alcohol testing on Sunday morning with a staggeringly high reading of 0.291.
As reported on the Sky News website, the 25-year-old man underwent alcohol testing after South Australia police received multiple calls of a vehicle being driven erratically. The police responded and pulled over the vehicle on Adelaide’s streets and administered a breath test.
The police involved must have been left shaking their heads, when the reading was allegedly 0.291. That’s nearly six times over the legal limit.
A failed alcohol testing result – staggering as it is – is not the only thing hanging over the driver’s head, when he appears in the Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date. He was also allegedly driving while disqualified, driving unlicensed and provided a false name.
As well as a future court date, the driver’s car was impounded for 28 days. He was also issued with an additional 12-month instant loss of licence.
Alcohol testing highs continue in South Australia
The 0.291 alcohol testing result isn’t the only incredibly high reading to be recorded in South Australia in the past week.
On 21st June, police were called to Walkerville after a vehicle had mounted had mounted a curb hard enough to cause two tyre punctures. While the female driver was physically uninjured, we’re suspecting she was embarrassed are alcohol testing allegedly showed that she was 0.262 or over five times over the legal limit.
Like the male driver in the first incident, her car was impounded for 28 days and she was issued with an instant 12-month loss of licence.
Never refuse alcohol testing in South Australia
While it was a long way from South Australia, Justin Timberlake’s case in New York state should serve as a reminder to anyone who is stopped by the police for alcohol or drug testing. That is, just take the test.
In the incident involving Justin Timberlake, it’s been reported he refused to take a breath test.
In South Australia and the rest of Australia, it is an offence to refuse alcohol testing or drug testing when requested by a police officer. Additionally, it is an offence to ignore any reasonable instructions from the officer regarding the alcohol test.
Generally, the penalties for refusing are reasonably severe, including a large fine and automatic driving disqualification for at least 12 months. In other words, you’re better off taking the test and facing the consequences if you do fail.
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While there has been great progress in reducing the number of people who drink and drive, high alcohol testing readings in South Australia highlight that there are still some who willing to take the risk.
