A SPATE of recent fatal drink driving accidents has triggered a series of reactions from many parties who are urging the government to enforce stricter laws and stern punishments in efforts to reduce or eliminate the problem.
It seems like our laws are weak, with punishments that are too lenient, which in turn explains why more and more people tend to take this issue lightly.
But do stricter rules really work, to stop people from drinking and driving?
Research in the United States pointed out that stricter laws and punishments help in addressing this issue, but they do not significantly reduce the number of fatal drink driving accidents.
Rather than only focussing on how to make laws and punishment stricter, the way they are enforced is equally important to effectively reduce fatal alcohol-related crashes.
According to the experts, the two most likely factors that can deter the behaviour of drinking and driving are: The certainty that the person will be caught and punished; and the speed between the time they commit the crime and the time of punishment.
Experts believe by adopting the policies that are more likely to result in drunk drivers being caught and convicted is vital to ensure that laws are known, and people abide by them.
By the same token, as mentioned by Associate Professor Dr Noor Azlan Mohd Noor, a sociology and anthropology expert at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), action against drink driving must be taken immediately.
The professor noted that strict action can be taken against those who disobey the law on a case-by-case basis, before the powers finally decide to enact changes to the law governing the matter.
Recently, the police revealed its statistics on drink driving cases. For the first five months of this year, there were 21 cases with eight deaths.
Compared to last year, the number of drink driving cases was 23 – these are alarming statistics, as we are only in the middle of 2020, yet the number of cases for this year is almost equal to last year.
Why is it wrong to drink and drive?
Health experts outlined that a small amount of alcohol can raise the risk of accidents on the roads by 13 times compared to those driving sober.
Any amount of alcohol in the bloodstream can impact one's driving ability as it slows down body coordination, reduces the mind's concentration, and can negatively impact vision – so the drivers are unable to make a crucial driving decision.
In some cases, even though some drivers may not show the signs of being under the influence, that does not mean it is any less dangerous.
In Malaysia, under the existing law, if you are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be subject to action under Section 45A (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Under this Act, you could face imprisonment of not more than 12 months or a fine of not more than RM6,000.
While for those charged with drunk driving causing death, Section 44 of the same Act carries the maximum fine of RM20,000 and 10 years' jail if they are found guilty.
Her are other ways to address this issue: First, implement a stringent alcohol control policy. The hours of sale of alcoholic beverages at outlets, bars and restaurants should be reduced and limited.
For instance, any sale on liquor should be banned before 5pm and after 11pm, as a means of reducing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms.
Every restaurant and bar must also ensure that every customer who purchases and consumes alcohol should not be allowed to drive home.
Instead, they are obliged to designate a sober driver or book an e-hailing service to drive them home.
And if you are having a social plan involving alcohol drinking, consider pre-booking a sober designated driver for your social group.
Remember, refusing to drive a vehicle when you have been drinking is the first and most important defense against being involved in an accident caused by impaired driving.
Do not be stubborn and selfish. The act of treating drink-driving as a light matter should end.
It does not matter what vehicle one is driving – consuming alcohol and driving is a serious crime.
The writer is Research Assistant at EMIR Research, an independent think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times