Police laud lack of drunk drivers

Great Southern drivers may finally be getting the drink-driving message, according to the region’s top cop after a month of positive results.

Only three drivers were charged with drink-driving in January out of 446 random breath tests conducted by Katanning police which included no positive readings in one day on the Australia Day long weekend.

Officers in Katanning tested 70 drivers on January 28 and recorded no positive blood alcohol readings, while Denmark police conducted more than 100 random breath tests last Friday night, also with zero positive readings. Patrols by Gnowangerup police on Saturday night in Ongerup also found no drivers over the limit. Great Southern police district Superintendent Ian Clarke said the recent results highlighted the community taking ownership of road safety.

“We think drink-driving is really starting to become socially unacceptable and it’s the community governing themselves,” he said.

“It’s becoming more of the norm now and it’s mates looking after mates. It’s very positive and I applaud the community.”

Katanning police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Brett Pengilly said although the recent results were pleasing, police would continue patrolling all roads, not just major highways.

“Although three seems to be a relatively low number, it is still three too many,” Sen. Sgt Pengilly said. “We urge you all to contribute to road safety and do not let your family and friends drive or ride a motor vehicle if they are drinking.

“If you plan to drink, pre-plan how you are getting home. Katanning police will continue to focus heavily on road safety to ensure your roads remain safe and free from impaired drivers.

“We will be patrolling anywhere, anytime and continue to target these areas to ensure drivers are doing the right thing.”

Police are also set to continue to monitor school zones, with drivers urged to slow down to 40km/h from 7.30am-9am and from 2.30pm-4pm with school returning this week.