M7 driver found with bottle of vodka in vehicle
The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of an intoxicant
A heavy goods vehicle driver was arrested on the M7 in Kildare on Wednesday after gardaí allegedly found him heavily intoxicated, with a bottle of vodka discovered in the cab following reports from concerned motorists of dangerous driving.
Naas Roads Policing Unit intercepted the HGV on Wednesday after multiple members of the public alerted gardaí to the manner in which it was being driven on the motorway.
According to Kildare Garda Division, the driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
The driver was brought to Naas Garda Station, where he allegedly refused to provide a breath specimen. He was subsequently charged with refusing to provide a blood specimen, along with three counts of dangerous driving.
He is due to appear before the courts in the coming weeks.
Gardaí also eminded motorists that refusing to provide a specimen is a serious offence, carrying penalties including a fine of up to €5,000, up to six months' imprisonment and a mandatory four-year driving disqualification on conviction.
The HGV was seized under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act. Its registered owner must now apply to the court for its return.
Kildare Garda Division praised the members of the public who reported the vehicle.
"Driving while intoxicated is never a mistake - it is a deliberate decision that puts innocent road users at risk. Thanks to the vigilance of members of the public who reported this vehicle, Gardaí were able to intervene before lives were lost," a spokesperson said.
Gardaí urged anyone who witnesses dangerous or suspected intoxicated driving to report it immediately, saying a timely call could save lives.