8 arrested for drink-driving on Labour Day morning

SINGAPORE - The Traffic Police conducted an island-wide operation during the early hours of Labour Day where a total of eight motorists were arrested for drink-driving.

26 drivers were stopped and tested for alcohol consumption at various locations. Eight of them, seven men and one woman, aged between 26 and 56 years, failed the test and were arrested for drink-driving.

The highest Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test result was 69 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, which is almost twice the prescribed legal limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The Traffic Police has introduced the new Mobile Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) test centre, which is a Police Vehicle retrofitted with a BEA to facilitate tests on site.

The trial of the Mobile Test Centre, which allows Traffic Police to accurately capture breath-alcohol readings on the spot, started in November 2014. This allows suspected drunk drivers, who have failed the handheld breathalyser (HBA) test, to have their alcohol content measured without the need to escort them back to Traffic Police (TP) or police divisions.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Candice Goh, Team Leader of Traffic Police's Patrol Unit said "It is everyone's responsibility to build a better road culture. Drink driving is a very serious offence and the penalties can be severe. Traffic Police's capabilities have been enhanced with the new Mobile Breath Evidential Analyser (BEA) Test Centre. This allows us to secure the breath evidence of drunk drivers within the fastest time possible, to prevent the loss of such evidence. Motorists who choose to drive after consuming alcohol will have to be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. Use your RoadSense, don't drive to drink, and exercise personal responsibility for everyone's safety."

Drink drivers, upon conviction, will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months. They will lose their driving licences and have to retake and pass the theory and practical driving tests in order to obtain their driving licences again. In addition, first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000 and can have their driving licences disqualified for a period of 12 to 48 months, depending on their BEA test results. Repeat offenders may be punished with 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.

spanaech@sph.com.sg