Barmera driver blows 0.352, more than seven times over the limit, as ten speeding drivers caught an hour

A young man has been caught in the Riverland with a jaw-dropping amount of alcohol in his system — as more than 1000 drivers were busted speeding in four days.

A young man has been allegedly blown more than seven times the limit and 1000 drivers were caught speeding in four days, as SA police despair over poor driver behaviour.

A 21-year-old man was caught in the Riverland with the jaw-dropping amount of alcohol in his system — enough to induce a coma.

Patrols stopped a Toyota station wagon on Sturt St, Barmera, about 5.25pm on Thursday.

The 21-year-old driver was breath-tested and he allegedly blew 0.352, more than seven times over the blood-alcohol limit.

The man lost his licence instantly for 12 months and was reported for exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol.

His car was impounded for 28 days. He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Police say it’s one of the highest blood-alcohol readings in “recent memory”.

A 21-year-old’s car has been impounded after he blew 0.352 — one of the highest blood alcohol readings in recent memory. Picture: SA Police

It comes as more than 250 motorists a day were detected breaking the speed limit during a statewide blitz.

The four-day operation, which started on Monday at 1am and ended at midnight Thursday, caught 1022 drivers driving over the legal speed limit.

During the same period last year just over 900 drivers were detected speeding.

Police issued more than 600 fines as part of the crackdown.

Officer in charge of traffic support branch Bob Gray said the number of drivers detected speeding and then making excuses to justify the dangerous behaviour was “unacceptable and irresponsible”.

“On average this operation has seen the detection of ten speeding drivers per hour,” he said.

“Crash data from 2018 suggests that in 20 per cent of fatal crashes, excessive speed was a contributing factor, and we know that reductions in speed will save lives and minimise injuries.

“It’s frustrating as police, and as a member of this community, to repeatedly see individuals making excuses for dangerous behaviour.

“With the road toll currently at 76, we cannot stress enough that we need the help and co-operation of all motorists to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads.”

Originally published as Barmera driver blows 0.352, more than seven times over the limit, as ten speeding drivers caught an hour