Driving under the influence (DUI) is a common issue in many cities worldwide. It has been the major cause of deaths among adults who are on the road traveling to their destinations.
Unfortunately while DUI laws are now in place, the problem persists. The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) notes that an estimated 30 people in the U.S. get killed every day or one every 51 minutes due to vehicle accidents involving a drunk driver. In 2013 alone, some 10,076 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes which make up 31 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the country.
Drinking alcoholic beverages is a stress reliever for many people, particularly for men. It is okay if this is done in moderation every time but can be fatal when it is abused more so when one drives a vehicle.
“The DUI laws are carried out as a way to discipline these abusive drivers who never learn their lesson or who care less about the lives of other people while on the road,” said criminal defense lawyer Daniel Perlman. “This is essential as reckless driving due to alcohol influence continue to claims the lives of millions of people worldwide each year.” But while the laws in some countries don’t have much teeth, other nations impose tougher penalties to offenders.
Countries normally consider the level of alcohol content when imposing punishments to offenders. The higher the level, the tougher the penalty.
Taiwan
Taiwan is said to have the toughest DUI law at the moment although this is still being debated as other countries in the Asian region have strict laws as well. In 2013, Taiwan passed a new law on alcohol-related traffic offenses.
Currently, the acceptable blood-alcohol level is 0.05 percent or below while the breath alcohol content should not exceed 0.25 mg/L. The Taiwanese Ministry of Transport and Communications is still planning to reduce the breath alcohol standard to 0.15 mg/L.
Meanwhile, drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Taiwan can be sentenced to jail for up to two years. They will also be fined up to an equivalent of US$6,700.
Japan
Japan implements a point system in penalizing DUI offenders. For example, an alcohol content based on a breathalyzer result (BrAC) shows more than 0.15 mg/L, it is given 13 points. If the level is more than 0.25 mg/L, one is given 25 points.
A driver given 13 points can have his or her license suspended for 90 days. A license can be revoked if the offender had other violations the previous year. A minimum of 15 points will result in the revocation of a driver’s license for at least one year. Those who record more than 0.25 mg/L alcohol content will immediately have their license revoked up to at least two years.
Saudi Arabia
Drinking alcohol is a big no in Saudi Arabia the reason why it imposes harsh punishments for those arrested for DUI. Offenders are usually required to pay a fine of $10,000 and jailed for 10 years. In addition, an offender can also be subject to lashes in a public square.
Russia
While Russia may be known for vodka and beer, it has serious penalties for people caught drunk driving. Did you know that first-time offenders can even have their licenses revoked forever? So if you ever visit Russia any time soon or later, make sure to avoid drinking and driving.