M1 crash driver walks free after blowing “just under” legal limit for drink driving

South Yorkshire Police said the driver was arrested on suspicion of being over the prescribed limit after a roadside breathalyzer test following the crash on Friday morning (11 December) between Junction 32 and 31.

However, when he was tested again at Shepcote Lane custody suite, he was “just under” the legal limit and allowed to leave to continue his journey to work, albeit on foot.

A spokesperson said: “The only saving grace to this cautionary tale is that, hopefully, this driver will serve as a warning to others about the dangers of drinking and driving.”

The driver claimed he had not had a drink since Thursday evening but police said he was “still more than likely over the limit this morning when they [sic] stacked their car on busy roundabout at rush hour.”

The spokesperson added: “Alcohol does not magically leave your body whilst you’re annoying your significant other with loud snores.

"Alcohol absolutely does affect your ability to drive, whether you believe it or not. And if you can’t go without alcohol, then we would respectfully suggest you speak to the appropriate professionals to sort out what is clearly a problem – because if you carry on drinking and driving, we can guarantee you will become our professional problem.”

Highways England said the accident caused traffic queues back to Junction 1 of the M18 southbound.