Drunken Motor-drivers

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 47, 18 November 1932, Page 13

Drunken Motor-drivers

Sir, —In your leaderette dealing with the proposal to increase penalties on intoxicated drivers of motor vehicles, you

rightly; call attention to the fact that the object of the law should be prevention. In that connection, it has often struck me as strange that as a community we go on fining, and imprisoning the unhappy victims of the drink craving and never move a finger to enlighten them as to the nature and effects of alcohol. Would it not be a common-sense proceeding if, in every case of conviction for drunkenness —whether while in charge of a car or not —the convicted individual was given instruction in the elements of the scientific knowledge now available concerning alcohol and its action on the human organism. This is especially important in the case of car drivers, because carefullycontrolled tests have demonstrated beyond doubt that a single drink is sufficient to disturb the balance, poise and judgment so essential for safe driving. Not so long ago in a case involving a fatal accident it was remarked in court that the car driver was sober, because although he had had two drinks at 4 p.tn., the accident did not happen till 6 p.m. Now the scientific fact is that for from one and a half to two hours after taking, those drinks the alcohol would be becoming increasingly concentrated in the blood and the maximum effect would be in evidence just about -6 p.m. when the accident occurred. Why should we not give those who need it the . necessary scientific temperance lessons in addition to fining or imprisoning them?. It is quite probable some would ignore them and still go on drinking. But the intelligent man, the man who thinks a spot or two can make no difference would, respond. If in addition to. this we took the same steps as the. Berlin police have done, and furnished all applicants for driving licenses with a warning against taking alcoholic liquor, it would be good. It would be better still if we not only ■warned them, but explained just why such a warning is necessary. The Health Department and the Transport Department could combine with the Justice Department in the publication and circulation of something that would have a really beneficial influence on this grave problem. —I am, etc., __ J. MALTON MURRAY. Wellington, November 12.