That was fun... NOT

So there I was, minding my own business, heading off to the airport last week. Early flight so I'm on the road by a bit after four o'clock in the wee hours of the morning. Huge day ahead, back-to-back meetings, the culmination of several years work.
Heading down Templestowe Road I see a cop car going the other way suddenly throw a u-turn - oops travelling a little quick perhaps. I pulled into the servo to grab some petrol and alongside it crawls. A polite exchange of hellos and time to produce the licence blow in the bag and check rego. No prob me thinks. Had a lovely dinner last night, a few wines but no problemo.

Well, you could've knocked me down. I registered over - well over - the limit. At that I should've been slurring words and having trouble focussing. Police park the car and take me back to the station - I will say that we were all very civilised - they're only doing their job and even though I felt there was no way I could be over, their equipment said otherwise and now was not the time to have an argument.
Go back and get 'interviewed' told them how much I'd drunk and when, told them it didn't add up and no, I wouldn't drive a car if I suspected I was even near the limit. Explained they were making me miss my flight and that it was crucial for me to be in Sydney this morning. The 'machine' was all warmed up and it was time to blow... surprise surprise. Barely registered... I guess that hand held device is going in for repairs and recalibration. Two very very embarrassed and apologetic cops high tail me back to my car (fastest I've travelled in a built up area...) and set me on my way. Arrive at the airport and check in 15 minutes before departure...
Not a good way to start the day

 

*touch wood* never ended a meeting with the police on a sour note.

Although that's more about avoiding meetings with the police in the first place than anything else

 

Stressful is a way to put it. Particularly as I'm so anti-drink driving and always lecturing others on the importance of good car control.

But yes, the day turned out pretty well in the end.

 

the important difference is I was NOT drink driving - and, fortunately, the second piece of equipment wasn't faulty! I think I might frame the print out...

 

Now that's something that will never happen. I am possibly the least pretentious F car person but I draw the line Westie Airlines

 

the hand held devices are never used to record actual BAC. They are simply a screening device - unfortunately, like all equipment, if not calibrated regularly they soon go out.

The machine back at the station/in the bus is the accurate one

 

*burp* you're right, no mouthwash that morning

 

buy your own analyser, count your drinks...

the problem though wasn't being over, the problem was a hand held analyser reading over. Fortunately, the proper machines are tested for accuracy everytime they are started up.