CSN News reports that a 40-tonne truck driver was 8 times above the legal limit for alcohol consumption. The motorists in Spain were afraid for their safety.

POLICE in Valencia say that the fact that a fatal accident did not occur is a miracle. A drunk lorry driver had frightened motorists on the AP-7 for more than 20 kilometres.

The 44-year old driver from Murcia, Spain, was eight times above the alcohol limit when he got behind the wheel of a 40-tonne vehicle.

He was so drunk, he barely managed to get down from his car at an Alberic gas station.

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Two off-duty police officers played a crucial role in preventing the truck from colliding with other vehicles on Friday afternoon.

After finishing his shift, an off-duty Valencia Policia Local Officer was driving home and noticed the large vehicle weaving between lanes on the hard shoulder.

He called the emergency services and was told it would take time for a Guardia Civil Trafico to arrive.

To reduce the chances of an accident, a second off duty officer – this time from Guardia – worked with him to stop cars trying to pass the truck.

The Valencia officer stated, “We knew that we needed to slow down traffic in order to prevent him colliding with anyone.”

The lorry had been on the southbound lane, and it was at one point brushing a guard rail in the vicinity of the Picassent jail, which stopped it from going off the road.

After about 20 kilometres the driver of the truck left the AP-7 exit at Alberic and parked in a service station. An officer then collared the driver and instructed him to stay put until the Guardia Civil arrived.

He had his breathalyzer done and was barely able to stand up when he finally got out of his car.

The driver may lose his license for four years, and could be imprisoned for at minimum six months.