A Toowoomba driver has blamed his misunderstanding of standard drinks after he was involved in a multi-vehicle crash at Gatton

A drunk driver “misunderstood” the quantity of alcohol he consumed before getting behind the wheel and crashing into another motorist on the Warrego Highway.

A drunk driver has “misunderstood” the quantity of alcohol he consumed before getting behind the wheel and crashing into another motorist (file image)

A drunk driver involved in a two-vehicle car accident has pointed out the obvious and blamed the quantity of alcohol in a standard drink for his actions.

Ronald Keith Cullen claims he “misunderstood” the quantity of alcohol contained in the beverages consumed at a friend’s place.

In the Gatton Magistrates Court on April 19, duty lawyer Lauren Manley, said Cullen believed he was drinking half standard drinks, but in fact, they were 1.5 standard drinks.

After having some food and a sleep, Cullen, 70, from South Toowoomba, was involved in a two-vehicle accident on the Warrego Highway at Gatton on February 19.

Prosecutor Bettina Trenear, from Toowoomba Prosecutions, said the accident occurred at 10pm.

Police were called to the scene where investigations revealed a car had been travelling in a westerly direction when another (Cullen’s car) ran into the back of the vehicle.

The vehicle had travelled off the left-hand side of the road and down an embankment, following the crash.

Police spoke to Cullen, the driver, and performed an RBT which returned a positive indication.

He was taken to Toowoomba Base hospital for minor injuries, where hospital staff took a sample of blood, Ms Trenear said.

Cullen’s blood alcohol level was 0.094.

Ms Manley said her client, after a sleep and some food, thought he was “OK to drive”.

“He has troubled personal circumstances at the moment, his elderly mother is suffering from dementia and her condition is deteriorating,” Ms Manley said.

“He has had a recent breakdown argument with his son, where his son has suggested my client is also experiencing some symptoms of dementia.

“That’s caused my client a lot of concern. He’s attended his GP but turns out there’s no test for dementia I’ve been instructed.”

Cullen pleaded guilty to one charge of driving over the general alcohol limit.

He was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for three months.