A reckless driver whose car left the TF-1 motorway and smashed into a bus stop in the south of Tenerife is being investigated after a breathalyser test reportedly showed more than three times the general legal alcohol limit.
The spectacular accident happened at approximately 4:40pm on Saturday, 12th September, on the TF-1 at to the El Río-Chimiche exit in Granadilla de Abona.
Images circulated online following the incident showed the vehicle badly damaged after crashing into the bus stop beside the motorway.
Footage recorded by another motorist also captured the vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision. It can be seen travelling in the left-hand lane before swerving across towards the right as it approached the exit.
However, the footage alone does not establish why the driver changed direction or ultimately crashed, and the precise circumstances remain subject to the investigation.
Breathalyser result above 0.60mg/l
The most significant development since the accident is the result of the alcohol test carried out on the driver afterwards.
According to information published following the crash, the driver allegedly recorded more than 0.60 milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air.
For most drivers in Spain, the general maximum permitted breath-alcohol level is 0.25mg/l, meaning a reading above 0.60mg/l would be more than three times that general limit.
More importantly, exceeding 0.60mg/l in exhaled air can constitute a criminal road-safety offence under Spanish law rather than simply an administrative drink-driving infringement.
The driver is therefore being investigated for an alleged offence against road safety for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The case is being handled by officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic Division's accident investigation team in Granadilla de Abona.
Driver escaped serious injury
Despite the force of the collision and the considerable damage visible at the scene, reports indicate that the man was able to get out of the vehicle himself and did not suffer serious injuries.
No other injuries have been reported in connection with the collision, as fortunately there was no one at the bus stop at the time of the accident.
The damaged bus stop is located beside one of Tenerife's busiest roads, with the TF-1 providing the principal motorway connection between the south of the island and Santa Cruz.
The El Río-Chimiche junction is exit 49 of the motorway and provides access to several communities in this part of southern Tenerife.
Investigation continues
The original reports immediately following the collision could not confirm what had caused the vehicle to leave its normal trajectory.
The subsequent breathalyser result has now added a significant new element to the investigation.
Police will determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and any criminal responsibility. As the driver is currently being investigated rather than convicted, the alleged drink-driving offence remains subject to the appropriate judicial process.
