High priced drunk-driving

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 30, 21 December 1987, Page 19

High priced drunk-driving

Tough laws across the nation are making it clear that drunk driving is legally unacceptable. But New Zealand isn't the only country taking a tough stand against drunk drivers. Countries throughout the world are making it known that a drink driving arrest carries serious consequences. The severity of the penalties vary, but the common factor everywhere is that a drunk driving arrest is embarrassing, expensive, inconvenient and heartbreaking. Here are some examples: Israel - A convicted drunk driver is sentenced to a mandatory two year jail term, making the problem of drunk driving virtually non-existent. An Israeli Embassy spokesman was quoted as saying that there is about one drunk driving case in Israel each year. Australia - The names of the drivers are sent to the local newspapers and are printed under the heading "He's drunk and in Jail". South Africa - A drunk driving conviction results in a 10 year prison sentence and the equivalent of a $10,000 fine, or both.

Great Britain - Those convicted face automatic licence suspension for one year. In addition, if the case is aggravated, lifetime banishment from the roadways is possible. Malaya - The convicted drunk driver is jailed, and if he's married, his wife is jailed also. Japan - First offenders can face up to four months in jail and a $200 fine. Licences are also revoked and can be returned only upon successful completion of a driving test one year later. Soviet Union - First offenders are banned from the roadways for six months. In one instance, a drunk driver who killed six and injured five more during a drive through northern Moscow was sentenced to death. Turkey - Drunk drivers are taken 20 miles from town By. the police and forced to walk back, under escort. E g y p t - Like most Moslem countries, alcohol usage is prohibited, drunk driving cases are rare. South Korea - Just an arrest results in an automatic two month licence suspension, with a conviction meaning a jail sentence of up to one year and

a fine of $700. India - Arrests are rare, but those convicted face six months in prison, a $112 fine, or both. Bulgaria - A second conviction results in execution. E1 Salvador - The first offence is the last. Execution by firing squad. It is obvious that a drunk driving arrest alone in some countries can be a hazard to your health. The best form of protection is simple: prevention. Tough . laws have been effective in reducing the problem, but it takes more. It takes an attitude change, to make drunk driving socially, as well as legally, unacceptable. That attitude is coming from individuals who see the tragic consequences o f drunk driving. Citizens everywhere are joining efforts in the fight against drunk driving - a fight to prevent a tragic problem and a fight which will end up with a permanent solution. This article is reprinted from the XS Corporation's "Just say No! - say yes to Health" anti-drug and alcohol abuse publication put out earlier this year.