Friday, March 30, 2012
In-car breathalyser kits for French motorists
It is fair to say that the French are quite partial to a tipple of Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon on the odd occasion, just as we British enjoy a drink every now and then. The trouble is that a considerable number of road accidents in this part of the world involve drivers who've consumed more than the recommended amount of alcohol.
The French government considers this such a serious issue that it has decided to make it obligatory for the nation's drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles. Just to ensure that everybody falls into line, President Sarkozy has deemed it appropriate for the police to carry out regular roadside checks.
Any drivers found not to have purchased the alcohol testing equipment will be fined 11 euros (the equivalent to £9). However, the thought of a stern telling off by the authorities will perhaps be a greater deterrent.
For those of us used to the UK's motoring laws this may seem rather a harsh and overt act of governance. The wisdom of the idea has been already been questioned by various motoring authorities.
Some experts point out that French motorists aren't legally obliged to use the equipment. Others are of the belief that drunk motorists may well see fit to ask their sober passengers to take the test.
The reputably straight-laced French President may argue that it is a necessary means of keeping the people in check. It will be interesting to see whether the next national accident report provides evidence in support of such claims.
The French government considers this such a serious issue that it has decided to make it obligatory for the nation's drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles. Just to ensure that everybody falls into line, President Sarkozy has deemed it appropriate for the police to carry out regular roadside checks.
Any drivers found not to have purchased the alcohol testing equipment will be fined 11 euros (the equivalent to £9). However, the thought of a stern telling off by the authorities will perhaps be a greater deterrent.
For those of us used to the UK's motoring laws this may seem rather a harsh and overt act of governance. The wisdom of the idea has been already been questioned by various motoring authorities.
Some experts point out that French motorists aren't legally obliged to use the equipment. Others are of the belief that drunk motorists may well see fit to ask their sober passengers to take the test.
The reputably straight-laced French President may argue that it is a necessary means of keeping the people in check. It will be interesting to see whether the next national accident report provides evidence in support of such claims.
Photo © dicktay2000 via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence
Labels: breathalyser kits, drivers, drunk, French, motoring law, police, road accidents, roadside checks, tipple, vehicle
# posted by Fuse @ 2:19 AM 
Post a Comment