Lucky drink driver is taken for a ride

An English friend had been here in the Gard for a few days checking up on his remote holiday home when he had an evening meal in town. Returning home he was ‘waved down’ and invited to blow into a coloured tube. It was positive, but the gendarmes realised he was a visitor and gave an on the spot fine of €85.
Of course, he accepted the fine and handed over a €100 note and, feeling very relieved, told the gendarme to keep the change. An icy silence descended. “Monsieur,” said the gendarme, “French Gendarmes do not accept presents”.
My friend excused himself and, as instructed, parked and locked his car in a roadside field. He was walking away when the gendarme asked where he was going. Home, he replied. “And where
is back home?” My friend said, pointing, just 5km down the road.
“You are not walking there, it is too dangerous this time of night,” said the gendarme, adding: “Can I drive your car?” Well yes, said my friend, wide eyed. So the gallant gendarmes drove him home.

Michael Carsberg, Gard

Editor’s note: We do not condone drink driving