Drug-Driving: Man Sees Octopus on Road Three Miles Away From the Ocean

A driver swerved his car “to avoid an octopus” and crashed into a ditch in south Milton, Devon, England on Tuesday evening, Feb. 5. Police have arrested him on charges of drug-driving.

Police were called for help on A381 between Malborough and South Milton in Devon and they found a car crashed upside down in a ditch, according to BBC.

The 49-year-old man was checked by paramedics on suspicion of drug-driving and was arrested.

“Emergency services are currently dealing with a single vehicle RTC on the A381 by the South Milton turn where a car has overturned. The driver stated he swerved to avoid an octopus. He is currently in custody on suspicion of drug driving,” tweeted the local police, Kingsbridge Police.

According to BBC, octopuses are found in the region, but in this case, the sea is over three miles away and the possibility of the saline creature crawling that far is bleak.

A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police told the BBC: “He did a bit of a slow roll into a ditch. An ambulance went out and the driver was checked over by paramedics but there weren’t injuries enough to go to hospital.”

Drug Driving Paranoia

Giving advice on drugs and driving, Devon Cornwall police explained “drug drive paranoia” in detail.

Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal around the world. According to the police website, it applies to “both illegal drugs and prescribed or over-the-counter medication.” The police warned that drugs may impact a person longer than generally thought.

Representative image Pixabay

“Drugs can affect a person’s judgement, concentration and vision, which are all extremely important for driving, and therefore makes the driver extremely dangerous on the road.

“If you are concerned about prescribed or over-the-counter medication, then consult your doctor or pharmacist and they can advise you on whether your ability to drive will be affected,” said the Devon Cornwall Police.

A driver found guilty of drug-driving is subject to a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, and a criminal record. The driver’s license will also show for 11 years that the driver was convicted for drug-driving.

The Happy Wit on Twitter

Twitterians took to the news in good wits and replied to police’s tweet in good numbers. There was humour, serious concern, and also a few suggestions on the investigation.

“The car lost control and went into a squid,” Mark Clancy replied to police’s tweet.

Another twitterian, Alex Griffiths,‏ had something serious to add: “Lost: Giant Octopus. Last seen around the South Milton area, Kingsbridge. Much loved family pet. Approachable(unless you’re a crab) Responds to the name of John.”