Cate in NZ Posted August 2, 2008 Share Posted August 2, 2008 I've been driving around 25 years now and am generally a safe and confident driver. I also feel very strongly about drinking alcohol and driving, it's something I just never do (don't get me wrong, I enjoy a glass of wine, just never if I'm going to have to get behind the wheel). But this week I've been stopped and breathalysed twice, on thursday evening at about 6:30pm when I was going out to meet friends and then again last night at 11pm when I was driving back from a day out with friends . Apparently it's a common occurence here, it's known as the booze bus. The Police (traffic alcohol group) set up road blocks on either side of the road and stop every car going through and breathalyse every driver, there doesn't need to be any suspicion of drinking, or erratic driving or anything, everyone gets treated exactly the same. Strange though, even though each time I knew I'd not touched alcohol for several days I still felt anxious each time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angels4 Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 We do that in the States as well Kate (although not frequently enough) and just like you, even though I don't ever drink and drive I feel anxious when I come upon a road block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krysia Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Maybe if we did that here less people would die from the actions of drink drivers, Because we are never all checked at once as you describe by a block too many poeple get away with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I think it a brilliant idea. I suppose we Brits would feel guilty because we are usually only breathalysed if there is a cause for suspicion. I can understand why you might feel a bit uncomfortable about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiepoppies Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 We have the same here My OH was stopped at 3 pm on a Saturday afternoon in a blanket check. A good time in France after a 2 hour lunch break [His was clear ] I also think it's a really good idea. I could save a lot of lives and misery. Jackiex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I think it's a brilliant idea and wish we had it here as well. I've always wanted to be breathalysed - because I don't drink! (I'm glad I wasn't driving last night after Emma(the Herd)'s Tiramisu though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinsa Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 My local police force did a trial of blockades and breathalysing a couple of years ago. I got stopped and was so even though I NEVER drink and drive. I found it really hard to breathe out with the right amount of puff and for long enough, I don't have asthma, but have no idea how you'd manage if you did! After the test I was given an information sheet about the blockade test and appparently legally I wasn't obliged to do it, so perhaps that's why we don't have them in the UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I wonder if drink driving is less of a problem as a result? Hopefully you'll get used to being checked and stop feeling guilty . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 back in the 60s my mum and dad were knocked off their scooter by a drunk driver. Mum nearly lost her leg and is terribly scarred to this day. All the driver got was a fine! I think it would be a brilliant idea to do standard, random breath testing but the police are too busy out with their speed guns/cameras to do it I suppose! Why are they never around when you've got some flash so and so up your backside in a 30 limit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted August 3, 2008 Author Share Posted August 3, 2008 I've got to admit that overall I agree with random breath testing, it wasn't a problem and if it does deter people from drinking and driving then it's surely a good thing. But of course I had a completely clear conscience each time . Although last night the alcohol fumes in the car were probably fairly impressive......I might have been stone cold sober but the same couldn't have been said for hubby who had enjoyed his evening with an old friend It did feel like they were out to get me though when I got pulled up for the second time in 2 days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I've been breathalysed - at 8.00 am on my way to work! It was near Christmas - and I was clear, I never EVER drink and drive, in fact I don't drink much at all these days. It did make me reflect on the fact that if you had been out partying the night before, you could still be over the limit the next day, and people often don't realise this. It was hard to blow for long enough, I agree - must be quite difficult if you've got any breathing problems. Random tests are not legal here, Poet, they have to have a reason to stop you. You don't have to be driving erratically, though - I was pulled over because one of my headlight bulbs wasn't working. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Random tests are not legal here, Poet, .... I know that Olly but they should be, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 Im all for these random stop and tests.If the Police can remove even one driver who's over the limit-that in effect is saving atleast one life from death or injury.I hate drink drivers because theres no justifiable reason for someone to drive afterwards with the amount of taxis'private hire companys. I havent been breath tested though for around 20 years,but was stopped last year and asked whether i'd been drinking the night before (which i hadnt).The Police officer stuck his head right into the car obviously to smell my breath while i spoke-either that or he fancied me,but i dont bat for the other team..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mzjones Posted August 3, 2008 Share Posted August 3, 2008 I had a night out one Saturday night a while back and my (now) ex husband who's a police officer once took a break from his morning shift and breathalised me himself before I went to work.... I was fuming... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 I have been breathalised once I was sitting trying to pull out of a car park in Peebles at 11am when another motorist hit the car from behind so hard I was shunted into the middle of the road Because it was a week before Christmas we were both checked even though I was the victim It was clear Fortunately I was in my dads Volvo and not my old MX5 had I been I might have been in no fit state to be checked I think I would have been quite badly hurt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 I have been breathalised once I was sitting trying to pull out of a car park in Peebles at 11am when another motorist hit the car from behind so hard I was shunted into the middle of the road Because it was a week before Christmas we were both checked even though I was the victim It was clear Fortunately I was in my dads Volvo and not my old MX5 had I been I might have been in no fit state to be checked I think I would have been quite badly hurt I was involved in something similar, Louise. A car hit me, pulling out blindly from a side road. I was a nurse, just coming off duty at the time and had my toddler daughter with me in her car seat, who had just picked up from nursery. Needless to say, it was negative. Still I would rather they did breathalyse me, innocent as I was, than make assumptions. I agree with Poet that random testing should be introduced. It might prevent a lot of people chancing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 I think I am only annoyed because the woman was driving extremely dangerously and I was lucky there wasn't a car on my side of the road even in a volvo that would have hurt remember she hit me at approx 40MPH in a CAR PARK I had to have pain killers for my back fortunately it did not last and the attitude of the police was at first we don't come out for car bumps and then they decided to check me out They did nothing to the other driver at all she was an elderly woman who must have been incapable of drinking She didn't even get charged with anything That was an interesting Christmas as the pain killers the doctor gave me were quite strong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 That's rotten Louise. I think it is quite a good idea but probably a lack of resources thing. Not been breathalysed but the police can be quite intimidating to a sensitive soul like me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted August 4, 2008 Share Posted August 4, 2008 My understanding is that the police are entitled to stopcheck drivers to check documents or the state of the car. They can only legally ask for a breath test if an offence has been committed or they have reason to suspect that a driver has been drinking. Probably why the officer in Stevie's case got a little intimate with him! If they can smell alcohol or the driver looks drunk or admits that they have had a drink then they can reuire a road side specimen. It hasn't happened to me yet but, although I am a law abiding soul, I still get nervous if I see a police car around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
