Sweden’s Way With Drunken Drivers

Northern Advocate, 18 February 1939, Page 6 (Supplement)

Sweden’s Way With Drunken Drivers

One of Europe’s strangest laws, the new drunk-in-charge-of-a-car law in Sweden, is proving a success. Convictions are decreasing.

In Sweden the penalty for driving a car while drunk is one month’s imprisonment, without the option of a fine. It applies to all classes, and is rigorously enforced.

There is one alleviating point. The convicted motorist peed not go to prison as soon as the sentence is passed. He can serve his sentence in any month during the six months after conviction.

This arrangement was made to prevent people from losing their employment if they were suddenly taken away from their work.

In the evenings Stockholm police patrols stop motorists to see if they have been drinking. If a motorist is suspected he has to go to the police station, where a blood analysis is made to determine the quantity of alcohol that has been taken.

One new business has sprung up as a result of the law. An enterprising Stockholm firm supplies chauffeurs for any car at any time of the day or night. Motorists who have been to a party telephone this firm to supply a driver for their cars, rather than take the risk of driving themselves.