Police nab drink drivers on New Year's Day
Police charged 63 people drink driving on New Years Day - 37 more than a year ago.
Police also nabbed 690 speeding motorists and issued 1212 fines for other traffic offences on day 12 of Operation Safe Arrival.
Superintendent Bob Ryan from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said the dramatic increase in New Year’s Day drink-driving charges is of extreme concern.
“It’s simply alarming that despite all the safety warnings about the dangers of drink-driving there were 63 people that chose to get behind the wheel while drunk and put not only themselves but other innocent road users at extreme risk,” Superintendent Ryan said.
“So far this holiday season we have breathalysed 447,230 motorists and charged 676 of them with drink-driving offences – that is 126 fewer charges than for the same period last year.
“It’s obvious yesterday’s spike in offences is the result of partygoers getting on the drink to welcome in the New Year and then jumping in the car and driving home.
“It’s incredibly irresponsible, dangerous and criminal that anyone would drive in that state,” he said.
Police said an unlicensed 33-year-old man was caught drink-driving at Riverstone just before 6pm on New Year's Day.
The man, who had his five-year-old daughter with him in the car at the time, returned a breath-analysis reading of 0.090.
He was charged at Quakers Hill Police Station with mid-range drink-driving and unlicensed driving.
Police are continuing their crackdown on misbehaving motorists despite the double demerit period ending.
The state’s holiday road toll remains at 12.