Driver Clocked at 135mph Blames Chinese Takeaway Urgency
Police officers in Northern Ireland were left astonished after pulling over a motorist who was recorded traveling at more than 135 miles per hour on a public road. The incident occurred on the A26 Lisnevenagh Road in County Antrim during a Saturday evening patrol, where authorities detected the Mitsubishi Evo exceeding twice the legal speed limit of 60mph.
Unbelievable Excuse for Reckless Driving
When the vehicle was finally brought to a stop, the driver provided an explanation that seemed straight out of a comedy sketch. They informed the officer that they were "heading for a Chinese takeaway", attempting to justify their dangerously high speed. A police spokesman confirmed that the driver will face court proceedings and could potentially be disqualified from driving as a result of this serious violation.
The police force clarified why the vehicle wasn't immediately seized: "In this instance Police had no power to seize the vehicle as it was insured. Reported to PPS with a view to prosecution, driver can in this instance continue their journey as there are no powers to seize the vehicle." The spokesman added that depending on circumstances, arrest might sometimes be the only available option, but in this case, the owners indicated they would want the vehicle released if it had been seized.
Social Media Reacts with Humor and Concern
When details of the incident were shared on Facebook by Northern Ireland Policing and Safety, commenters responded with a mixture of amusement and alarm. One user quipped: "What's the charge for the driver of the Red Evo? Going for a succulent Chinese meal?" Another remarked: "The speed was criminal, but paying £12 for a lukewarm Chow Mein is a massacre of the soul that even the PSNI cannot ignore!" Several others joked about whether the driver was "dim (sum)" and inquired which specific Chinese restaurant warranted such reckless behavior.
Broader Context of UK Speeding Problems
This incident comes amid growing concerns about excessive speeding on British roads. Recent data collected by the RAC from 40 police forces reveals alarming patterns:
- The highest speed recorded on a 30mph road was 122mph in the South Yorkshire Police area
- A speed of 113mph was recorded on one 30mph road in the Sussex Police area
- These figures represent just a snapshot of dangerous driving behaviors across the country
RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis commented: "Although this data is a snapshot, it shines a light on the incredibly dangerous actions of a few, that are putting law-abiding road users at serious risk. There is no place for the vastly excessive speeds that some people are prepared to drive." He noted that while some excessive speeds were recorded during lighter nighttime traffic, many occurred during busier daytime hours when roads were shared with numerous other vehicles.
UK Road Safety Statistics Paint Grim Picture
The broader context of road safety in the United Kingdom reveals why such speeding incidents are particularly concerning:
- In 2023, 1,624 people were killed on UK roads
- A total of 29,711 people were killed or seriously injured in road incidents
- Speeding was a factor in 58% of road fatalities and 43% of all road collisions
- Excessive speed contributed to 888 fatalities in 2023 and to 39,882 crashes of all severities
- There were 132,977 casualties overall in all road incidents in 2023
- 45% of crashes involved car occupants
- More than four people die on UK roads every day on average
These official figures from the Department for Transport underscore how speeding contributes significantly to deadly crashes across the country. While the Chinese takeaway excuse might provide momentary amusement, the reality is that such driving behaviors have serious, often tragic consequences for all road users.
