Wheelchair driver under the influence

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-24  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

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-- Adverstisement --

A MAN found asleep in a motorized wheelchair on a highway in northern Australia has been charged with drunk driving, police said yesterday.

Officers in a patrol car noticed the man slumped in the stationary chair about 10am on Friday on an exit lane near the tourist city of Cairns. Regional traffic Inspector Bob Waters said cars were swerving to get around him.

The officers breath-tested the 64-year-old man, who registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.301 - more than six times the legal driving limit. He was charged with operating a vehicle while drunk and ordered to report to court on July 7, where he faces a stiff fine if convicted.

The man told policwe he was making a 14-kilometer trip to a friend's place.

"He placed himself in a very dangerous situation," Waters said.


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