Driver with dog in car caught at four times alcohol limit on M5
Bryan Househam, a 69-year-old driver, was caught driving dangerously on the M5 motorway whilst significantly over the alcohol limit, with his golden retriever in the back seat. A concerned motorist reported his erratic driving, leading police to locate him at a service station where he recorded a breath test reading of 142 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath – four times the legal limit of 35 micrograms. This case underscores the serious risks drink-driving poses to all road users.
Dashcam footage captured Househam's Toyota RAV4 swerving dangerously between the hard shoulder and lane two on the motorway between junctions 13 and 14 on 13 September. When arrested and taken into custody, a second breath test recorded 100 micrograms – still nearly three times the legal limit. In court on 8 October, Househam was disqualified from driving for 23 months and ordered to pay a fine of £2,885, whilst his dog was collected by a family member during the arrest.
- Driver recorded 142 micrograms breath test – four times legal limit.
- Swerved dangerously on M5 with golden retriever in back seat.
- Disqualified 23 months and fined £2,885 after motorist reported him.
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Drink-driving refers to operating a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol. In England and Wales, the legal breath alcohol limit is 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath; those exceeding this level face criminal charges. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time and motor control – all crucial for safe driving.
The dangers of drink-driving extend far beyond the driver, affecting passengers and other road users. On motorways, where vehicles travel at high speeds, these risks become particularly severe, as any lapse in concentration or motor control can have serious consequences. Many such cases are detected when members of the public report erratic driving behaviour to police.
When police suspect drink-driving, they conduct breathalyser tests to measure alcohol levels. Those found to be significantly over the legal limit face prosecution in court, where magistrates typically impose driving bans and fines. Drink-driving remains a persistent road safety concern across the UK.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment drink-driver with golden retriever in the back seat narrowly avoids smashing into other cars on M5 – before police find him FOUR times over alcohol limit”.