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comment by guybrush
guybrush  ·  4279 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Mark Kleiman on why we need to solve our alcohol problem to solve our crime problem

In the UK we have introduced laws for mobile phones and drugs, while you could also be taken to court for dangerous driving under any of the other scenarios. However, as you mention it is much more difficult to measure if someone is 'too tired' or 'too angry' to drive (unless caught on the dashboard camera doing something stupid), so I expect the actual number convicted is tiny. Also, you would still receive an immediate ban for alcohol as opposed to three/six penalty points for the other offences. However, if you go to court and explain the importance of your license to your life, the judge will likely give you an alternative form of punishment. I think we take a sensible approach to road laws as a general.





kleinbl00  ·  4279 days ago  ·  link  ·  

    while you could also be taken to court for dangerous driving under any of the other scenarios.

In the US, it's "reckless driving" which is a moving violation as opposed to "driving under the influence" which MADD has turned into a misdemeanor at best and a felony at worst. "Reckless driving" makes your insurance cost more. "DUI" gives you a criminal record.