File photo. Photo: RNZ
A drink driver who blew nearly 10 times the legal breath alcohol limit was caught in Cromwell during an "alarming" weekend on Otago roads for police.
The 45-year-old man was found uninjured after a single-vehicle crash on the Clyde-Alexandra Road on Friday.
He was due to appear in the Alexandra District Court charged with dangerous driving and excess breath alcohol third and subsequent.
A police operation over the weekend targeting high-risk driving issued more than 50 speeding tickets in coastal Otago, including to five drivers who clocked more than 40km above the speed limit.
Officers also pulled over seven drivers who blew above the legal breath-alcohol limit.
Two drivers who blew nearly triple the legal limit had been summonsed to appear in the Dunedin District Court, and the other five received infringements.
Senior Sergeant Karl Hemmingsen said it was shocking and dangerous behaviour.
"Drink driving and speeding are dangerous actions that can have disastrous consequences. We see too many preventable deaths on our roads," he said.
"We want everyone to have a good time, but not at the expense of putting yourselves or others at risk.
"Have a pre-plan to get home safely, have a charged phone, so you can book an Uber, taxi or call a friend to come and get you, ensure you have cash for if your phone dies and you need to book a taxi.
"Our aim is to prevent tragic consequences on our roads, not to issue the most infringements."
He urged motorists to drive to the conditions and remember the speed limit was a limit, not a target, especially in winter conditions.
