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Three people were caught driving under the influence in Marlborough last weekend. (File photo)
A collision between a minivan and a ute in Marlborough has led to a man being charged with drunk driving.
The minivan appeared to have turned right off Nolan’s Rd in Grovetown in the early hours of Sunday morning, onto State Highway 1, and onto the path of the ute traveling south, police said.
Senior Constable Russ Smith said there were no injuries in the crash, but both vehicles sustained moderate damage from the impact.
A 32-year-old Blenheim man was charged with drink-driving after allegedly giving a breath test of 810 micrograms of alcohol per liter of breath. The legal limit is 250mcg.
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He was also charged with careless driving.
The man was one of three people caught driving under the influence over the weekend in Marlborough.
A 17-year-old was seen without headlights on Maxwell Rd in Blenheim in the early morning hours on Sunday. He was charged with drink-driving for an alleged result of 133mcg. Drivers under the age of 20 are required by law to drive sober.
Scott Hammond / Stuff
Senior Constable Russ Smith urges drivers to carefully plan their transportation home when going out for a drink. (File photo)
The 17-year-old had been referred to the police youth care center, Smith said.
A 60-year-old Blenheim man was arrested by police on Lee St in Blenheim around 11:20 p.m. Saturday, reportedly giving a breath test result of 671 mcg. He will appear in Blenheim court for drink-driving.
“It’s disappointing for the Marlborough police that officers continue to prosecute a number of local people for drink-driving,” Smith said.
“Invariably, people being prosecuted by the police for drink-driving had planned to have just one drink and then drive home. One drink generally becomes several and by the time the drinks run out, the driver’s judgment and common sense are impaired by alcohol, leading to poor decision-making and drink driving.
“If you’re even remotely considering having a drink, make sure driving isn’t part of your plan.”