ALCOHOL AND MOTORS.

Southland Times, Issue 21428, 24 June 1931, Page 3

ALCOHOL AND MOTORS.

To the Editor. Sir, —When renewing my motor license this year I was forced to submit to the humiliation of revealing my age, the state of my health was inquired into; my eyesight was subjected to examination; nor were my poor legs above suspicion-—I must swear that they were not artificial. Not one question was asked concerning my tendency to be suddenly overcome by thirst; nor my method of quenching that thirst; nor of the strength or quantity of liquid refreshment considered essential to ward off the attack. And yet how few motor accidents are due to physicial disabilities compared with the large and apparently increasing number due to indulgence in alcohol. Magistrates threaten and very occasionally carry out those threats but the toll of the drunken or partially drunken driver continues. While in the interest of public safety it is quite right to refuse licenses to those whose physical disabilities might render them incompetent to control a car; it is equally absurd, in the name of public safety, to grant licenses to those who at times become a positive danger, for science affirms that alcohol, even in small quantities, dulls the senses and renders less effective the judgment. No one, I consider, should be granted a license unless he makes .a solemn declaration to refrain from indulgence in alcohol while in charge of a car; and for failure to observe this declaration he should be deprived of his license for a year. “Safety first” is a very good motto, but when will we have the courage to tackle this question effectively?—l am, etc., “SAFETY FIRST.”