Jun 18, 2010
10 drink drivers caught
<!-- by line --> By Bryan Huang
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The 10, aged between 19 and 64, were part of 61 motorists given the breathalyser test after simultaneous road blocks set up at around 3.15am. -- PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
<!-- story content : start --> TEN drink-drivers were arrested during a six-hour police operation in the Boat Quay area on Thursday night. The 10, aged between 19 and 64, were part of 61 motorists given the breathalyser test after simultaneous road blocks set up at around 3.15am. A 23-year-old driver recorded the highest breathalyser result of 75 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml, which is more than double the prescribed legal limit.
The ring-fencing operation, which was conducted at Church Street, Cecil Street, South Bridge Road, Maxwell Road, North Canal Road, Merchant Road, New Bridge Road and Kampong Bahru Road, also saw 43 motorists summoned for other traffic-related offences like speeding, driving without a valid licence and driving while under disqualification.
A statement from the Traffic Police reminded the public that drink driving is a serious offence with severe penalties. 'Even if the driver's alcohol content in his blood or breath does not go beyond the legal limit, he can still be charged for drink driving if he is unable to control his vehicle properly,' it said. A total of 1,371 drink drivers have been caught so far this year, including the 10 on Thursday night.
Convicted drink drivers will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months. In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000, or jailed up to six months. Repeat offenders face a maximum fine of $30,000 and a mandatory jail term of up to three years. They may also be caned up to six strokes should death or serious injury be caused.
