Read that the powers that be are considering installing mini breath testing gadgets into the cars of convicted drink drivers, which would immobilise the car if the driver failed the test.
My first thought was what a brilliant idea, and that it should be extended to *all* vehicles, a failsafe way of preventing any form of drink driving.
My second thought was, how on earth does the machine know if it's the driver who has blown into the bag or someone else?
Do you know how they will get around this? Apart from it also comprising a DNA test or something similar, I have no idea.
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"My second thought was, how on earth does the machine know if it's the driver who has blown into the bag or someone else?"
Given their track record, don't rely on HMG thinking of this before any implementation.
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I have visions of sober bod sitting on drivers lap so that the test is OK, then leaping off and hoofing round to the passenger side before he /she gets left standing.
This assumes a detector says the drivers seat is occupied and does not measure the changing weight.
OOOO!! Lots of challenges for HMG to implement and the lads to circumvent.
Given their track record, don't rely on HMG thinking of this before any implementation.
Well stated.
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A second drink driving conviction should carry a lifetime ban from driving. I have no problem with this, given that many people are prevented from ever having a driving licence through medical conditions such as epilepsy. A drink problem is a medical problem, and drink drivers are medically/psychologically unfit to drive.
Cheers, Sofa Spud
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Maybe I oversimplify. One thinks of drink drivers simply as irresponsible people who don't care about drinking and driving.
I once came across another phenomenon. A normally responsible person became drunk safe in the knowledge he had no intention of driving, but once drunk and incapable of reason decided to take his motorbike for a spin and attempt to do a 'ton'. Luckily he survived without an accident.
I've never heard statistics about this particular problem of already drunk and incapable people deciding to go for a drive.
cheers Sofa Spud
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>>I once came across another phenomenon. A normally responsible person became drunk safe in the knowledge he had no intention of driving, but once drunk and incapable of reason decided to take his motorbike for a spin and attempt to do a 'ton'. Luckily he survived without an accident.
This is still somebody with a drink driving problem. It's different, but it's still a problem.
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It's good idea, but as you say, very difficult to make sure that it's the actual driver that's being tested. A friend is on International Standards committee studying the feasibility of biometric id's and they are having lots of problems with the reliability of (govt. favoured) iris/fingerprint scans.
>Do you know how they will get around this? Apart from it also comprising a DNA test or >something similar, I have no idea.
Current DoT recommendations are that an anal probe be fitted to the drivers seat :-O
Kevin...
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>>Current DoT recommendations are that an anal probe be fitted to the drivers seat :-O
Forgive any naivety, but I really, really, really hope that this is a joke.
You are winding me up Kevin, aren't you?
Got to go and lie down in a darkened room for a bit...
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>You are winding me up Kevin, aren't you?
:-O
Sorry HF.
I'm pretty sure that it would reduce the number of repeat offenders though.
Kevin...
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:-O
Is that the face of someone who forgot their car had a probe?
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All well and good to ban the drink driver after his second offense, but if they were not too worried about breaking the law twice before why would they be worried about breaking it a third time by driving while banned...and drunk, and now with no chance of any insurance cover.
Creating new laws has no effect on people who don't obey the ones already in existence.
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What is to be gained from fitting such a device on the cars of convicted Drink Drivers (they have served their ban).If a reliable system can be found it should be fitted on all cars. Whatever next? - speed limiters fitted to anyone convicted of doing 34 in a 30?!
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The technology exists, but the industry cannot guarantee that the system would function 100% reliably - mouthwash could immobilise the car. And as you say, there is the problem of someone else getting the car started for the drink driver. The technology to close that loophole is so expensive, I can't see it heading for mass production.
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People actually show their TRUE feelings/behaviour when they have had a drink (or, rather, drinks); convention ensures that most people behave properly and rationally when sober.
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All well and good to ban the drink driver after his second offense, but if they were not too worried about breaking the law twice before why would they be worried about breaking it a third time by driving while banned...and drunk, and now with no chance of any insurance cover. Creating new laws has no effect on people who don't obey the ones already in existence.
Mandatory 10 year prison sentence for third offence. Easy.
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Why wait for the third?
If they work, and if they are a good idea at all (there seems to be plenty of reasonable doubt on both counts), why wait for the first? Surely they should be on all vehicles?
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I heard a story (may have even been here) where such devices were fitted to the cars of repeat drink driving offenders in Australia. Not long after you would find cars left running outside pubs while the owner was inside "topping up". If the engine is already on the alcolock won't be preventing anything.
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>>I'm pretty sure that it would reduce the number of repeat offenders though.
I am sure you are right, Kevin - I was just checking!
The mental image of those who have topped up their pre-driving lagering with a curry is not pleasant though. ;)
HF
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Current DoT recommendations are that an anal probe be fitted >> to the drivers seat :-O
Given the way Gordon has been sc*****g us I think they already've strated trials....
JaB
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Gordon has been sc*****g us
JaB, perhaps I shouldn't ask, but I can't find the asterisked word in our swear filter. I can only assume you posted it like that.
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Current DoT recommendations are that an anal probe be fitted to the drivers seat :-O
Anal? Weren't they the firm that made carburettors? Twin anals were the thing to have - difficult to set up but gave exhilarating performance.
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In dubai if you steal your hand is removed! In dubai people don't steal.
Over here drink driving should carry a 10 year prison sentence at the least and life time ban from driving. NO exceptions.
All the while this country namby pambies around these people
they will continue to act like fools.
There would be no need for wasting public money on stupid advertising campaigns to scare people with horrific images
and a few less idiots on the road to worry about.
All this nonsense about the legal limit is a joke as well,
if I drank one glass of wine I wouldnt be able to drive safely,
someone else could drink a bottle and be fine. There should be no limit set, if you've had a drink you shouldnt drive. The end.
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