Canberra driver records ‘near fatal’ alcohol level during traffic stop

A driver has registered a potentially deadly blood alcohol level during a routine test, recording one of the highest levels local police have ever seen.

A driver in the Australian Capital Territory has registered a “near fatal” blood alcohol concentration during a routine breath test, recording one of the highest levels ever seen in the territory.

In a statement released on Sunday morning, ACT Policing reported, “A Belconnen driver has recorded a near fatal level of alcohol in his system after he was stopped in Strathnairn early on Saturday morning.”

Around 2am on June 1, 2024, officers spotted a Toyota Corolla driving erratically in Strathnairn and pulled over the vehicle.

A driver in the Australian Capital Territory was found with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.443. Picture: ACT Policing

The 36-year-old driver underwent a breath test and recorded a staggering blood alcohol level of 0.443.

Following the test, the driver was issued a 90-day immediate suspension notice and will be summoned to appear in court at a later date.

ACT Policing emphasised the dangers of impaired driving, noting that it is one of the “fatal five” causes of road deaths.

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

The Drug and Alcohol Clinical Advisory Service highlights that a blood alcohol concentration of 0.4, equating to 4 grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, is considered potentially lethal.

At this level, individuals are at risk of respiratory failure, coma, or death. Symptoms such as memory loss, slurred speech, and severe nausea typically manifest at much earlier stages of intoxication.

Originally published as Canberra driver records ‘near fatal’ alcohol level during traffic stop