Continually, every day, we hear of drivers who have been either pulled over or in motor vehicle accidents due to their drinking and driving. Many are repeat offenders. Many blow several times over the legal limit. Many have caused deaths or caused severe harm. There seems to be no end to this. Why? Because there is no real deterrent to this behaviour.
Obviously, a little slap on the wrist, a small fine, or a brief stay at the Sleepy Hollow Motel has had no effect on these people. We need a real, honest to goodness deterrent that will make people sit up and take notice.
In my humble opinion, what is needed is zero tolerance — meaning their driving license is revoked forever. No second chances. They need to pay a stiff fine; they need to get federal time (yes, federal, which means a minimum of two years' incarceration); and if they have caused a death then they must pay all funeral expenses for their poor victim. Sound harsh? You bet it is.
Would we hand a loaded gun to a person who has been drinking and tell them to go out and shoot something, anything? No, of course not. But a motor vehicle being driven by a person under the influence (be it alcohol or drugs) is a weapon! I've spoken to many people lately, all of whom agree we need to have a really strong deterrent to make these people realize they just cannot drink and drive.
Please people, if you are going to drink, no problem, but do it responsibly, don't be selfish, think of the possible consequences. Do not drink and drive!
Lynda Mosher
Stratford