‘Elephant-shaped cloud’: Allegedly drug-affected driver’s bizarre excuse for using mobile behind the wheel

A man allegedly high on meth with his child in the back seat gave police a very odd excuse for doing something else illegal while driving.

An allegedly drug-affected driver, who had his child in the back seat, tried to tell police he was taking photos of animal-shaped clouds when he was questioned about using his mobile phone behind the wheel.

SA Police pulled the driver over in Adelaide’s CBD about 10.45am on Thursday after seeing the man on his mobile at the intersection of Flinders Street and Pulteney Street.

But it was what the Banksia Park man said next that shocked patrols.

“The driver denied using (his mobile phone), saying he was just taking photos of the “elephant-shaped cloud he had seen in the sky”, police said.

Police said the 49-year-old driver tested positive for methamphetamine and his drug sample was sent for forensic testing.

He was fined $601 for using his mobile phone.

Pending the outcome of the forensic testing, the man could face further charges.

Police urge all motorists to “not be a Dumbo” and obey the road rules, especially over the holiday period.

“Don't get distracted — even by elephants — and concentrate on driving,” police said.