An alleged drunk driver more than three times over the legal limit had three young children in her car when it smashed into a power pole in Christchurch, police say.
The children, all aged under five years, are lucky to have escaped uninjured after the crash on Bower Ave in the suburb of New Brighton on Tuesday afternoon, Inspector Al Stewart said in a statement.
One of the children was unrestrained.
The 28-year-old female driver was three times over the legal drink drive limit, Insp Stewart says.
"This driver is recklessly putting children's lives at risk by driving drunk and not using restraints," he said.
"Some drivers just aren't getting the message. Someone knows this person is driving drunk - we need people to speak up and take action over drink drivers."
After the crash the woman tried to drive off, Insp Stewart said, but passers-by intervened and took her keys.
The woman has been suspended from driving and charged with excess breath alcohol.
Further charges are likely and a court date is yet to be set.
Child, Youth and Family have been contacted.
NZN