Police are waiting to speak with a learner driver from Young after a car was stolen from a local hotel on Thursday night and crashed the next morning in Forbes.
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Police from the Lachlan Traffic and Highway Patrol allege a white 2009-model Toyota utility was stolen from outside a hotel in Young on Thursday night and driven at speeds of up to 175km/h in a 100km/h zone, overtaking a number of vehicles.
The man, an unaccompanied learner from Young, was arrested after the ute ran off the road at Forbes about 8.35am on Friday.
He was taken to Forbes District Hospital before being transferred to Orange Base Hospital for further testing.
However, police have been told his injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The man had his licence suspended and will be issued with a Future Service Court Attendance Notice for the illegal use of a conveyance, driving in a manner dangerous, being an unaccompanied learner and not display L-plates.
Police were out in force this Easter long weekend with their annual Operation Tortoise, which began at 12.01am on Thursday, April 17 and concluded at 11.59pm on Monday.
A total of 67,608 breath tests were conducted in the southern NSW region which includes the Cootamundra Local Area Command.
This saw 56 drink driving charges made, 76 seat belt infringements and 1181 other infringements.
There were also 1071 speeding infringements and 69 major crashes that resulted in 32 people injured.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said it’s disappointing that some people continue to be caught drink-driving despite consistent warnings from police.
“With the high-visibility operation… I am surprised yet again that people risk drink-driving or speeding,” he said.
“The consequences of being charged can be life-changing for a driver’s personal life, family and career. If it is worse – and someone is hurt – the outcome can be tragic.”
Operation Tortoise was part of a two-week campaign and continues with Operation Go Slow, which starts at 12.01am tomorrow and continues until 11.59pm on Sunday, April 27.
Double demerits were and will be in force for speeding, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences throughout both operations.
