DESPITE all the police warnings, people are still getting behind the wheel of cars after drinking alcohol.
And as Derry welcomed in the New Year, police were out on patrol using its new anti-drink-drive powers trying to catch those who put not only their own lives at risk but that of other motorists and pedestrians.
PSNI in Magherafelt say a hawk-eyed member of the public tipped off officers about a suspect drunk driver.
The police say: “A very alert member of the public contacted us and stated they thought someone was drunk and drove off in a car.
“This driver was intercepted in Cookstown by our highly trained colleagues in District Support Team.
“One male male was arrested for excess alcohol…..he hadn’t reckoned on Csection and DST being on duty.
“He’ll go to court, he will get banned from driving and he will get fined.
“There was also an arres outside Magherfelt where a driver failed to comply with a preliminary breath test.
“This also carries the same penalties if someone blew over the legal limit!”
Earlier on New Year’s Eve, the PSNI said police officers from Magherafelt C Section along with NI Ambulance Service responded to a report of a road traffic collision In the Ballyronan area.
A spokesperson said: “When officers arrived we were met with a car on its roof, in the middle of the road, totally destroyed.
“There was no sign of any passengers, no sign of any driver.
“Officers managed to track the driver and he was arrested for driving with excess alcohol (drink driving).
“He’s lucky he’s in a custody suite at the moment and not the mortuary.
“Never ever drink and drive.
“Drink drivers are beside us on the road, giving way to us at roundabouts, pulling out in front of us, and driving through our towns without a second thought for the consequences.
“If you have a drink and get behind the wheel your senses and reactions are slower.
“You don’t have the awareness you usually do.
“You’ll end up with a criminal conviction, you’ll loose your licence, your life will be wrecked, you could loose your job and your plans for travelling may take a hit..
“Is that worth it ??”
The answer is no.
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