Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has expressed shock and deep embarrassment after her husband, Yorick Piper, lost his driver’s licence for three months after failing a random breath test in Bendigo.
Mr Piper was stopped by police just before 9am on Thursday morning and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.05, exactly at the legal limit, triggering an immediate licence suspension. The test occurred shortly after he had been involved in a minor rear-end collision at a T-intersection in Bendigo.
Ms Allan said the incident happened as several cars slowed to a stop, with her husband lightly bumping the vehicle in front. No one was injured and both drivers exchanged details before continuing on their way. Mr Piper accepted responsibility for the minor damage, which Ms Allan said the family would cover personally.
The Premier confirmed the couple had celebrated their son’s birthday the night before at a local pub. She said Mr Piper is currently taking medication for a health issue and acknowledged that the combination of alcohol and medication meant he should not have driven the following morning.
“We are shocked, deeply embarrassed and truly sorry,” Ms Allan said, stressing that road safety and drink driving were serious matters, particularly for victims of road trauma.
In response to the incident, the couple made a $1,000 donation to road safety charity Amber Community. Ms Allan said the situation served as a reminder to all Victorians never to drive if there is any risk they may be affected by alcohol or medication.
Victoria Police have recently launched their Roadwise campaign targeting drink driving ahead of the holiday season.
