Warrnambool police stop drink-driver planning Ballarat journey
A Ballarat man was caught driving at .172 BAC, over three times the legal limit, planning to drive home.
Police in Warrnambool stopped a 31-year-old Ballarat man on Liebig Street at 2am on Saturday, November 14, after observing him driving. The breath test returned .172, over three times the legal limit of .05.
The driver said he planned to drive to Ballarat, prompting the regional commander to say there was every chance he wouldn't have made it. Police impounded the vehicle for 30 days, costing the driver over $1500 in fees.
He faces court, a minimum 17-month driving ban, mandatory driver awareness course, and an alcohol interlock device.
Why it mattersA driver at this blood alcohol level faces extreme crash risk, missing a single red light could be fatal. Early police intervention prevented potential deaths.
AustraliaThe catch reflects increased Victorian police focus on drink-driving following three fatal crashes in south-west Victoria in five weeks. Warrnambool police are conducting highly visible enforcement during high-risk periods.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
