ACT driver caught with ‘near fatal’ blood alcohol concentration

A 36-year-old man, who blew a blood-alcohol level nearly nine times over the legal limit, was stopped by police after he was noticed to be driving erratically.

An ACT driver has allegedly recorded a “near fatal” blood alcohol level nearly nine times the legal limit.

The 36-year-old man was pulled over while driving erratically in a Toyota Corolla about 2am on Saturday night, in Strathnairn, Belconnen.

While being breath tested by police, the man blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.443.

A statement from ACT Police said it was “one of the highest readings” seen in the jurisdiction, with a high-range blood alcohol concentration considered to be limits more than 0.15. The legal limit is 0.05.

The man blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.443. Picture: Supplied

The man was issued with an immediate 90-day suspension notice and will appear at court at a later day.

A statement from ACT Police urged people to not drink and drive.

“ACT Policing reminds all drivers that impaired driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of deaths on our roads,” it said.

“If you are going to drink, please don’t drive.”

To date, five people have died on ACT roads this year.

The most recent fatality occurred on May 23, after a 55-year-old motorcycle driver collided with a car on Athllon Dr, Wanniassa.

The Torrens man died in hospital days later of May 25.

Originally published as ACT driver caught with ‘near fatal’ blood alcohol concentration