Learner driver allegedly clocked at 164km/h while instructor was asleep with illegal drug in her system

A 17-year-old learner driver was allegedly clocked at 164km/h on Albany Highway in the Great Southern while his authorised instructor was asleep with an illegal drug in her system. Police say that about 3pm on Sunday, officers stopped a red Holden ute which was heading north of Albany Highway, near Tunney, after they recorded it travelling at 164km/h in a 110km/h zone. According to police, the driver was a 17-year-old boy on his L-plates. Great Southern Police Traffic officer-in-charge Sergeant Derek Grimes said the boy’s authorised instructor — a female friend — provided a roadside oral sample which tested positive for an illicit substance. Sgt Grimes said inquiries revealed that the instructor had been asleep in the passenger seat while the boy was travelling at 164km/h. The boy’s vehicle was impounded for 28 days. Sgt Grimes said the driver and his instructor were both from Perth and would face charges. “Police are extremely concerned about this manner of driving, which puts not only the occupants in danger but all road users,” he said. “Police are urging drivers to start taking responsibility of their driving behaviour so we don’t lose any more lives on our roads “We are frustrated with members of the public driving in this manner and putting other members of the public at serious risk.”