Two drivers have been charged following separate crashes on the Bass Highway over the weekend, with both incidents allegedly involving alcohol.

About 7.15pm on Friday, a green Holden Commodore utility was involved in a crash on the Bass Highway at Chasm Creek.

Police will allege the driver left the scene and was later located at a residence in Penguin. The 18-year-old provisional licence holder subsequently returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.185, more than four times the legal limit for a full licence holder.

As a provisional driver, he is required to have no alcohol in his system while driving. He was charged with drink driving offences and will appear in court at a later date.

About 9.10pm on Saturday, a white Subaru Forester crashed into roadworks at the Leven River Bridge on the Bass Highway at West Ulverstone.

The driver, a 47-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, where she was required to provide a blood sample.

After allegedly refusing to do so, she was arrested and charged with refusing to provide a blood sample, driving under the influence, and other offences.

Her licence was immediately disqualified for 12-months, and she will appear in court at a later date.

Inspector Anthea Maingay said both incidents highlighted the serious risks posed by drink driving.

“Police are frustrated by the blatant disregard shown by drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol,” Inspector Maingay said.

“These crashes could easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.”

“Driving under the influence puts everyone on our roads at risk and will not be tolerated.”

“We would like to thank those members of the public who promptly reported the Chasm Creek incident to police, which assisted officers to quickly locate the driver.”

Anyone with information or dashcam footage relating to either incident is asked to contact Burnie Police on 131 444. Reference ESCAD 415-11092026 for the Chasm Creek crash and ESCAD 422-12092026 for the West Ulverstone crash.