INTOXICATED DRIVERS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1926, Page 6

INTOXICATED DRIVERS

DISCUSSION BY MOTORISTS. . One of the proposals sent forward by the Otago Motor Club in furtherance of a safety traffic campaign to the South Island Motor Unions recommended that persons in charge of, or driving motor vehicles while under the influence of liquor, should have their licenses cancelled for a minimum term of three years. Mr. Passmore (Otago) in supporting the clause said the present penalties were ridiculous. Drunken drivers were a menace and a danger and should take the consequence of a severe penalty. Mr. N. M. Orbell (South Canterbury) thought they were treading on dangerous ground. It was all a question of proving when a man was drunk and when he was not. A man may have one drink and become involved in an accident. If a policeman smelt his breath he would probably be .arrested for being drunk while driving a car. The chairman (Mr. A. E. Ansell) thought it would be hard on a man who, taking too many drinks, realised he was under the influence of liquor and got into his car to have a sleep, to be arrested. Dr. Paterson (South Canterbury) said he would oppose the clause unless it was made definite that a conviction was to be made. Dr. Brown (Southland): A man does not need to ire drunk to be a serious menace. Dr. Paterson considered the proposal would put. a lot of power in the hands of the police. Mr. Haigb (Southland) pointed out that it was a very difficult matter to get a man convicted on a charge of drunkenness. “I say a man who has bad one whisky should not drive a car,” he added. Mr. Falek (Canterbury) thought the matter could be safely left in the bands of the magistrates. A vote was then taken on the clause which was thrown out, only seven delegates voting in favour of it.