QLD: Police double number of breath tests

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-1998
QLD: Police double number of breath tests

BRISBANE, Dec 19 AAP - Queensland police carried out more than 11,000 random breath tests
in the opening 24 hours of the Christmas holiday blitz on drink driving.

In a fatality-free start to the festive season on the state's roads, 134 drivers were
picked up for driving under the influence of alcohol, said Inspector Greg Wessling.

Insp Wessling said police had tested 11,012 drivers during the 24 hours ending just after
midnight today, compared to 6,184 in the same period last year.

"The concerted effort to increase random breath testing has paid off, so far at least," he
said.

"However, we are disappointed to see one driver arrested for driving under the influence
with a blood alcohol content more than four time the legal limit.

"His reason for driving was that his mate was too drunk to drive.

"It seems to take a lot to get the message through to a lot of people.

"We'll be keeping the pressure on right throughout the holiday season, especially next week
when most people have finished work and are in full-on holiday mode - we'll also be full on."

Insp Wessling also warned motorists against speeding, with more than 1300 people picked up
for speeding offences over the opening 24 hours of the holiday period.

There were 27 people injured in 17 traffic accidents across the state.

AAP sat/kr

KEYWORD: TOLL QLD TESTS

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