Police say it was “good fortune only” that a crash in rural Auckland overnight did not end in tragedy, after a van jackknifed across a road with its allegedly intoxicated driver asleep behind the wheel.
At about 12.43am on Runciman Road in southern Auckland, a Mitsubishi van and trailer blocked the road completely after crashing. Officers found the 55-year-old driver asleep in the vehicle and suspected he was under the influence of drugs. A search of the van uncovered methamphetamine and other substances.
Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager Inspector Matt Hoyes said the man initially appeared destined for a Compulsory Impairment Test at Pukekohe Police Station but was instead taken to hospital for assessment after becoming incoherent.
He has since been charged with careless driving, possession of a precursor substance with intent, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a class A substance, and refusing to supply blood. He is due to appear in the Pukekohe District Court today.
Inspector Hoyes said the reckless actions could easily have caused serious harm.
“This incident could have easily resulted in our staff attending where someone had suffered serious or fatal injuries,” he said. “People need to realise that driving under the influence puts lives at risk.”
