A Tasmania Police inspector says two separate crashes on the Bass Highway over the weekend “could easily” have caused serious injuries, with alcohol allegedly involved in both.
The first involved an 18-year-old man who allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.185 – more than three and a half times the 0.05 limit for full licence holders.
He does not hold a full licence. As a provisional driver, he is required to have no alcohol in his system.
The green Holden Commodore utility he was driving crashed at Chasm Creek, in Tasmania’s north-west, around 7:15pm on Friday.
Police allege he left the scene. Officers found him a short time later at a house in Penguin after reports from members of the public.
He has been charged with drink-driving offences and will face court at a later date.
A second driver was charged the following night.
Around 9:10pm on Saturday, a white Subaru Forester crashed into roadworks at the Leven River Bridge at West Ulverstone.
The 47-year-old woman allegedly driving the vehicle was taken to hospital with minor injuries and asked to provide a blood sample.
Police allege she refused. She was arrested and charged with refusing to provide a blood sample, driving under the influence and other offences.
She was also disqualified from driving for 12 months on the spot and will face court at a later date.
“Police are frustrated by the blatant disregard shown by drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,” Inspector Anthea Maingay said.
“These crashes could easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.”
“Driving under the influence puts everyone on our roads at risk and will not be tolerated.”
Maingay thanked the people who reported the Chasm Creek crash, saying their calls helped officers track down the driver quickly.
Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to contact police on 131 444, quoting ESCAD 415-11092026 for Chasm Creek or ESCAD 422-12092026 for West Ulverstone.
