Learner driver allegedly caught drunk, sleeping behind the wheel of a car

A 52-year-old learner driver has been charged after allegedly being caught drunk, asleep behind the wheel of a car at a set of traffic lights in the middle of the city.

A learner driver who allegedly returned a BAC reading of .219% after police officers discovered her asleep at the wheel of her car at a set of traffic lights in the heart of the CBD has been charged.

The 52-year-old Woree woman had her learners licence suspended after allegedly being caught asleep behind the wheel of a car on Tuesday morning.

Police will allege around 5.30am officers noticed the vehicle not moving from the traffic lights at the intersection of Pier Point Road and Esplanade, despite the lights changing.

It is alleged officers approached the car and woke the woman.

A roadside breath test was conducted that resulted in the woman being transported to the Cairns Police station for further testing, allegedly returning a reading of 0.219.

A woman has been charged after allegedly being found drunk and asleep at the wheel at the intersection of Pier Point Rd and the Esplanade.

The woman’s licence was immediately suspended, and she was charged with drive under the influence of liquor and learner driver must be properly supervised-motor vehicles after checks revealed she was still on her learners licence.

She is scheduled to appear in Cairns Magistrates Court on February 24.

In a statement, Police urge motorists to consider themselves and others when planning to drink by forming a plan B.

“Do yourself and other road users the biggest favour you can and err on the side of caution. “Don’t risk getting caught for drinking and driving, leave the car where it is, get a lift or catch a taxi.

“Lastly, be aware alcohol can remain in a person’s system the next day and police often detect alcohol in a breath sample hours after a person has stopped drinking.”

Originally published as Learner driver allegedly caught drunk, sleeping behind the wheel of a car