Does India need Australia’s ignition interlock system to curb drunk driving?
Is the fear of being caught by authorities that low in India that people have the audacity to get behind the wheel while inebriated and risk their lives and that of others?....
The penalty for drunk driving was increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 in an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019. Now, for a first offence, a driver can be asked to pay up to Rs 10,000 and can also face jail for up to six months. For a second offence, the fine can go up to Rs 15,000 and the jail term can rise to two years. Despite the increase in penalties, drunk drivers seem comfortable risking it, possibly believing they can evade justice.....However, Australia uses a novel technology called the “ignition interlock system” that does not require a cop to catch the drunk driver the car will just not start if the driver is drunk. “This system requires you to provide a breath sample for your car to start. A certain amount of breath alcohol content could prevent your breath analyser unit from allowing you to start your vehicle,” according to Australia Breathalysers. The interlock also includes a camera and takes a photograph of the person providing the breath sample to reduce the risk of a driver circumventing the program.
