16/05/2019

PSNI Warning As Drink Driver Causes Magherafelt Crash

A drink driver has been left uninjured after causing a crash in Magherafelt that left three others in hospital with significant injuries.

The incident on Tuesday evening, 14 May, prompted police to issue a warning about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. It is understood that a drink driver in a jeep ploughed into the back of a car and then forced it into a wall.

Writing on the PSNI's Magherafelt Facebook page, a spokesperson said: "Still not sure how we are not dealing with the aftermath of multiple deaths today.

"Three people in the car were hospitalised with significant injuries. The drink driver, more than double the limit, was uninjured.

"So once again we have crews spending hours dealing with the consequences, multiple ambulances and paramedics treating the injured, hospital beds filled with the drink driver's handiwork and numerous lives impacted by his actions.

"We need to get back to the stigmatising of those who drink and drive, the mind-set of those who think it's ok to drink and drive has to be broken."

The officer warned:

It's not OK to go the pub after work for a few jars then drive home.

It's not OK to drive drunk during the school run.

It's not OK to drive after you have been drinking.

It's not OK to sit back and ignore someone who's been drinking leaving the pub and driving home.

The officer concluded by urging anyone who suspects an individual of driving with excess alcohol to take action: "The conversation needs to happen, don't look the other way, challenge your mate or family member, take the keys off them, stop them. Those who drink and drive have no respect for any individual or community."



(JG/CM)

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