The consequences of drink-driving can be severe, and a recent case in Shrewsbury is a stark reminder of the dangers it poses.
A van driver was caught by police with a child in the back of his van, sitting on a toolbox, while he was more than twice the legal limit for alcohol consumption.
Caught in the Act
The van driver was stopped by police on Hereford Road in Shrewsbury on January 14th while driving a Vauxhall Vivaro.
Upon inspection, officers found there were no seats or seat belts in the back of the van where a child was sitting on a toolbox.
The child’s safety was put at risk due to the lack of proper seating arrangements, and the driver’s impaired driving due to excessive alcohol consumption.
A Reminder of the Dangers of Drink-Driving
A breath test showed that the van driver had 71 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 milliliters of breath, which is more than twice the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
This level of alcohol in his system could have caused him to have blurred vision, reduced reaction time, and impaired judgement, which are all critical skills required while driving.
At Telford Magistrates’ Court, the van driver pleaded guilty to two charges, namely drink-driving and using a motor vehicle in a manner that could cause danger to passengers.
As a result, he was given an 18-month driving ban, which can be reduced by 18 weeks if he completes a course by February 2024. He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £135 and a surcharge of £48.
The incident highlights the dangers of drink-driving and the importance of adhering to safety regulations and standards while driving.
The presence of a child in the back of the van further compounds the risk posed by the driver’s irresponsible behaviour.
The lack of seats and seat belts in the van meant that the child was more vulnerable to injury or harm in the event of an accident.
Putting Passengers at Risk
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and standards while driving.
Drivers must prioritise their safety and their passengers’ safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as drunk driving, which could result in severe consequences.
Additionally, drivers must ensure that their vehicles are appropriately equipped with necessary safety measures, such as seats and seat belts, to protect their passengers in case of an accident.
Conclusion
Drink-driving is a reckless behaviour that poses a significant risk to road users.
The case of this van driver highlights the dangers of drink-driving, especially when children are involved.
It is essential to prioritise the safety of all road users by avoiding reckless behaviour, adhering to safety regulations and standards, and ensuring that vehicles are appropriately equipped with necessary safety measures.