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France's Bold Drunk-Driving Legislation - Every Car To Carry a Breathalyzer
Zothecula writes "It is a great irony that alcohol should be legislated into becoming man's most commonly used recreational drug, as it's the only drug that causes more harm to others than to the user. This is most evident on our roads, where even in first world countries with low road tolls, alcohol still accounts for between a third and a half of road deaths. Now France is to attempt a novel solution — from July of this year, it will become law in France to have a working breathalyzer in every car on the road, with enforcement beginning November 1."
Okay, for those who didn't bother to read the article...
All that's required is a $2 disposable breathalyzer. If you don't have one in your mandatory car safety kit, the fine will be $14.
The French automotive society is selling breathalyzer tests for single use for 1 euro (say: 1 US dollar) per piece. It suffices to carry two of those in the car.
I watch French TV and read French newspapers every day. I should know. The fact is that this is still under discussion, and then only for those drivers who have had several times a positive alcohol test. Further, there is a presidential election coming next spring. It is not the time to take such measures.
In short, this news report is BS.
As far as the breathalyzer required by French authorities, a US$2.00 disposable item will be acceptable, but already everyone is being encouraged to buy such items in pairs so that one can be used to test, or for a friend to use, and still to have the required one to drive home with.
To which you replied:
Those things are expensive, and beyond the means of some people who own cars.
I wonder who these people who can afford French petrol and diesel prices, but can't afford $4 are.
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Dude, if you think US BAC limits are low you need to get out more. The limit in France is .05% just like most of the EU.
There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
Obviously the poster has not lived in a family with alcoholics. I've lost two aunts in the past decade to alcoholism. It destroyed their minds and bodies, and effectively killed them years before they actually died. It's a terrible disease, and exacts an immense toll on the user. That being said, their drug of choice did not injure or kill anybody else. How can it be said that it affects others more than themselves? For that to be statistically possible, there would have to be more single injury or fatality accidents involving the injury/death of the sober party than there are deaths of addicts by non-auto related causes.
I can't think this is a good idea. At least in the US, where our BAC limits are 25% of what actually impairs driving.
What are you talking about? While I do drink and think .08% BAC is a little low, it is true that driving performance begins to deteriorate after as little 1 or 2 drinks. If you really think the legal limit should be .32, and that anyone below that level is okay to drive, you are absolutely nuts. By .20 you are obviously and inarguably drunk.
The Frecnh drink a lot of wine, true, but I don't think most people in France condone drinking 3 bottles of wine before going for a drive.
This is a hacked account, for which the owner can not be held responsible.
But the price would be too high for addict to pay for, Hence why you would still have illegal meth.
The price would be dirt cheap unless it were taxed to high heaven (pun intended). However, meth is still a terrible drug even if pure, very hard on the body and very addictive. Not recommended for sane people.
I'm a cannabis smoker and I wouldn't pay more for less (and in the case of cannabis, the potency would be reduced a lot) even if it would decriminalize my usage.
If cannabis were legalized in a sane (there's that word again) way, growing it yourself would be legal. Potency (and very other variable) would be up to you, as it should be. If 190 proof Everclear is legal, why shouldn't 20% THC marijuana be? It is in fact better for you, as less smoke in the lungs is required for a given level of effect.
Are you reading the same wiki as everyone else?
" Listerine mouthwash, for example, contains 27% alcohol."
"Seven individuals were tested at a police station, with readings of 0.00%. Each then rinsed his mouth with 20 milliliters of Listerine mouthwash for 30 seconds in accordance with directions on the label. All seven were then tested on the machine at intervals of one, three, five and ten minutes. The results indicated an average reading of 0.43 blood-alcohol concentration, indicating a level that, if accurate, approaches lethal proportions. After three minutes, the average level was still 0.020, despite the absence of any alcohol in the system. Even after five minutes, the average level was 0.011."
Obviously, you didn't RTFA. The requirement is to simply carry a breathalyzer in the car with you so you can check your own blood alcohol level before you drive. The requirement isn't for the type of device that prevents you from starting your car without passing the test first.
How can we continue to believe in a just universe and freedom to eat crackers if we have no ale?
I seriously doubt legalization would lower costs to the point where $20 buys a 6 month supply for a heavy addict.
Unfortunately meth causes crime not just for the purposes of getting cash to pay for it. The drug itself causes some amount of psychosis and paranoia that can lead to violent crime.
Police know that. Once tested positive, you are asked to wait and retested. You then are taken to the police station and tested again. Listerine will not get you a conviction. Road side breath testing is just the beginning of the process.