DRINK AND CAR DRIVING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 12

DRINK AND CAR DRIVING.

Sir, —A few weeks ago your contributor "Focus" supplied an excellent article on "Liquor and Motoring." Discussing suggestions for preventive measures against drink-caused accidents which had been submitted to the Auckland Autoniobilo Association, "Focus" quoted authorities showing that in the interests of safety it was desirable that motorists should not use intoxicating liquor. I was therefore lather surprised to read in Saturday's motoring notes an article headed "Drink and Car Driving—.Adequate Deterrents." While agreeing with "Focus" that New Zealand's provision of prosecution for intoxication is better than the British law requiring proof of drunkenness, I submit that out legislation by 110 means provides adequate deterrents, the weekly record of drink-caused motor accidents and of prosecutions for intoxication indicate that punishment of offenders is not a suflicient preventive. Surely, in view of the many serious accidents resulting from the intoxication of motor drivers, it is reasonable to request legislation which would prevent licences being obtained or retained hy thoso who have proved themselves unfit to be in control of a motorcar. At present, a man with a string of convictions for drunkenness may obtain a driver's licence without question. "Focus" states that "some persons would attempt to prohibit the consumption of tlio most harmless quantity of liquor bv a driver." What, is a harmless quantity of intoxicating liquor ? Every pint of beer contains an ounce of alcohol. Alcohol is a poison which quickly affects the brain and destroys the delicate co-ordination of brain and muscle requisite for quick action in emergency. The amount of alcohol in 2£ pints of beer is sufficient to kill a dog and may easily affect the judgment and ability ot motorists, yet many drivers would consider two or three pints of beer quite harmless. Who is to judge how much alcohol a driver may safely consume ? Would it not be better to prevent the prospective intoxicated motorist from obtaining a driver's licence than to punish him after he lias killed or injured some innocent victim ? Louis E. Falkneu.