Tonga Police call for urgent community action to curb drink driving [1]
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 11:38
Tonga Police is calling for urgent public assistance to curb a drink driving crisis after 95 out of 705 drivers stopped from 8-10 June, were tested to be driving under the influence of alcohol on Tongatapu. This followed a report that 10% of 504 drivers stopped over the weekend in the first week of June were DUI.
“Police continue to enforce their focus on the issue as road users’ lives matter, particularly for passengers,” stated Tonga Police yesterday, in releasing the latest DUI figures.
“Police are more concerned about the number of passengers these 95 people had. Only four didn’t have any, as the rest had two to four passengers on average.
Police Commissioner Shane McLennan said it is a concern, as they are all at risk and they are calling for passengers and drivers to refocus their attention on the issue as the life of every road user is at risk.
“We urge the public, particularly passengers of drunk drivers to refrain from encouraging their friends or family member to continue driving while out partying and drinking. If your driver is driving under the influence of alcohol, you can help by encouraging yourselves to catch a taxi or call a sober family or friend for pick up.
“Let me remind you that you are not that friend or a family member to receive a late-night call from the morgue but be that friend or family member who picks up members from a late-night drink because death to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one test you can’t afford to fail!"
Offence
Police reminded drivers that it is an offence if their breath screening tests are equivalent to or more than 250 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.
“It is also important to note that refusing to take either of the screening breath test or the evidential breath test is an offence, where one shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three-years, or to both, and the Court may order that the convicted person be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for a period not exceeding three-years.”